Q. I was baptized about three years ago but I fell away the past year and have had a hard time remaining faithful. My New Year’s resolution is to give up worldly things and live a better Christian life. Do you have any helpful suggestions?
-Anonymous
A. My July 2008 article addresses working on a closer relationship with God and finding time to study the Bible. Regular Bible study is a great way to strengthen your faith. You cannot know God unless you know His word. Reread the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection – this should give purpose to your effort as it reminds you of His sacrifice and will for our lives. Think about how much he was willing to give, and compare it to how much you are willing to give. Remember, Christ gave all that we might live (Gal 1:4; John 3:16; I Tim 2:6; Titus 2:14).
Attending church and following his commandments seem infinitesimal when weighed against death and torture. And He not only wants us to obey Him in order to avoid eternal condemnation, but also to have a full life in Him, to glorify Him, and to lead others to Him. One of my favorite verses that inspires me to live for Jesus is Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Besides regular Bible study, I have found that spending time in intense, thoughtful prayer and meditation also helps you to put things in perspective and prioritize. During this time, you might wish to consider the negative consequences of how you have been living and the benefits of returning to God. Pray for God to help you resist sin and continue to increase your desire to obey and follow Him.
Above all, you must have a sorrowful heart. Repenting of your sins is necessary in receiving God’s forgiveness. Luke 13:3 says, “I tell you no, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” We are all human and will therefore always have a fleshly desire to sin. But, if we are in Christ, we should have a new desire to live for Him and do what’s right. However, repenting doesn’t only involve being sorry for what you did. We should also confess our sins to someone who will lovingly hold us accountable for our actions. Satan has a harder time keeping us under his control when we’re not trying to hide our sins.
You must also turn away from sin. My dad often describes it as making a U-turn. If you say you’re sorry – and you may really be sorry – but you wake up the next day and continue what you were doing, your heart has not been changed. If peer pressure affects your effort, you may need to avoid being with those negative influences and become more involved in your church youth and ladies’ groups. Do not assume you can resist negative influence from others on your own. There is always the possibility that you will become more familiar with their habits and fall back into it, no matter how strong you are. That’s why it’s important to ask for God’s help. Good luck with your effort and I hope you will fully return to your life in Christ.
– Rachel Conley
If you have a question you’d like Rachel’s advice about, please let us know!
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