Time for Self-Check: Reflecting on Your Walk with Christ

Life brings controversy; that is, opposition, resistance and perplexing situations. However, the Christian must master the inevitable trials, tests, and frustrations and remain dedicated to Christian living and service. In order to remain dedicated, continual self-examination is needed.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. 2 Cor 13:5 (KJV)

Self-examination always leads to questions. These questions should challenge you to look at yourself in a candid fashion. Responding truthfully will keep you focused despite the inevitabilities of life. One important question that should arise through self-evaluation is “What is my dedication level?”

Dedication strengthens your resolve to stand during tough times. Christians have to appreciate the Value of Dedication. It helps stabilize your life when things around you are out of control. So, that even as a Christian, you can continue to grow in faith and knowledge when the world around you seems to be in chaos.

In order to answer the question “What is my dedication level?” - You have to know specifically what should you be dedicated to. In the Christian walk, our dedication can be measured by three areas of interest. If you consider these areas, then you will be able to say unashamedly that you are a dedicated follower of Christ even when life is unfavorable. We will examine each briefly.

Dedicated to Christ. Dedication begins with an unwavering devotion to Christ. You have to be dedicated to His commands and commission. The goal of your existence has to be to please Him. Why? There is an eternal reward. If your daily existence is not characterized by this mindset, then you are not dedicated totally. You will crumble when the inevitable tough times arise.

Dedicated to Development. When you give your life to Christ, a dedication to spiritual growth and development in the faith is vital. The only way one can grow is through the study of the Word and through prayer. So, you have to evaluate your prayer life. Is it healthy and vibrant? You have to examine your time in reading the scriptures. Do you make excuses for not reading? Your dedication level is small if you are not willing to challenge yourself to grow personally in the Christian faith. Consequently, you will bow to difficulties.

Dedicated to Christian Service. Christian service cannot be separated from the Christian faith. Regardless of your activities in the church, from preaching to feeding the hungry, you have to be dedicated. It is not always easy because you may have to serve in light of the negative responses of people and unfavorable conditions. This is where dedication becomes crucial.

Dedication does require personal sacrifice and commitment. However, in light of all that God did for us in Christ, it is worth the effort. Challenge yourself on this day that your level of dedication in the faith will increase despite the challenges of life and ministry.

Which Road are You On?

Everyone is on a road to an eternal destination. In life, different roads can be taken on a journey to reach a particular destination. Though we can compare our walk with Christ as a journey, there is only one way to reach our destination of heaven. You cannot enter into the kingdom of God any which way you choose.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Matt 7:13 (KJV)

Some promote the ideology that you do not need to go to church; that is, fellowship with other Christians or even receive Christ to enter into heaven. But, as Christians, we must stand on the truth that reception of Christ, fellowship with other Christians, and striving to live a life pleasing to Him is a perquisite for entrance into heaven.

With the advent of personal GPS devices, people no longer have to depend on standard maps to reach their destinations. Now, they can pick and choose the route that they would like to take, rather than standard routes. This is fine for personal travel. However, this phenomenon has taken on spiritual implications.

In the Church, individuals are now using “spiritual” GPS systems to determine how they will live for Christ and enter into heaven. They forsake the road map of Christ and those things that are written. Many times, the “GPS” used is based upon feelings and intellectual reasoning which is causing many  to  deviate from the  path set before men by Christ’s example and exhortations of scripture.

The scriptures verify that life is a journey. Here are 4 signs (among many) that we must pay attention to as we are on the Christian journey.

Stop – Certain activities are inconsistent with the Christian life. To live in sin is not an option. We can stop (overcome) sin while we live in this life.

Detour – Sometimes, we must learn to do things differently. Detours come up to show us that a path that was once acceptable is no longer accessible.

Yield – This sign prepares you to slow down. As Christians, we have to slow down and yield to direction and inspiration of the Spirit.

Road Work Up Ahead – We have to be prepared for God’s pruning and maturing process in our lives. As Christian, we must know that spiritual road work is up ahead as we live for Him.

We must be committed to a successful journey. Remember to pay attention to the spiritual road signs. In doing so, you will have success as a Christian in this life and with joy, you will enter into the life that is to come.