Aligning Yourself with God

Brian Dumas, Elder

Read Proverbs 16:3

It’s no secret that we live in a fast-paced world that constantly competes for our attention.  As a Christian, we may recognize that not all of the things the world has to offer are good for us, but contending with them can be more than a little bit difficult.  Most of us find that our walk with God will enable us to rise above the lure of things that will separate us from His love and the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control.  Galatians 5:22-23).  This begs the question, “How can I achieve consistency in my relationship with God so I can live the abundant life (John 10:10) that only He can provide?” A starting point has to begin by asking yourself if you truly have invited God into your life.

Have you confessed to God you have sinned against Him and understand that the penalty for sin is eternal death?  Have you said in your heart that you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was sent to pay the penalty for your sins by his death on the cross, who was resurrected from the dead and now reigns eternally with God the father?  Have you then committed to live your life for God through Jesus Christ?  Romans 10:9 tells us:   ^“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

It's important that you understand becoming a Christian is not just a philosophical point of view.  It is an all encompassing world view that permeates every aspect of your life.  Corinthian 10: 31 tells us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  In a world given to self-gratification, it’s difficult to acknowledge that the actual purpose for our existence is: to know God; to make Him known; and to bring glory to Him.  Admittedly, that takes a lot of focus.

Whether you are a star receiver in football, or a power hitter in baseball, when you take your eye off the ball, you will fail to make the play.  Likewise, when you fail to maintain a focus on God, you will stumble in your relationship with Him. 

Commitment to God goes beyond your initial invitation for Him to become Lord over your life.  It means committing all that you do to His control.  Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established (Proverbs 16:3).   By maintaining that focus, your thoughts will be aligned with what God has planned for your life, you will find consistency in your relationship with God, and you will experience the abundant life you long for.

God’s standard is perfection, nothing less.  There will be times when you may block your relationship with God by sinning against Him.  I John 1:9 tells us you can restore that relationship by confessing all known sin and repenting from it.  ”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”   The more diligent we are at keeping all known sin confessed, the more we will be consistently open for God to operate in our life

Dear God,

I thank you for the salvation I have in Jesus Christ, and I pray for your guidance that I will do what is pleasing and acceptable in your sight,  and bring glory to your name.   In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen