The way we feel about ourselves can have a tremendous effect on how we live our
Christian lives. It is one thing to study and learn the Bible; but another thing altogether to find a way to apply those lessons to our lives in a practical way. Let me say that I am not teaching that we need to compromise the principals of faith that we are taught in the Bible. Many would think that a guide to “practical” living would first show how we as humans cannot live a perfect life as we are instructed to do in Matthew 5:48. On the contrary I would teach that as we find things that the human mind and spirit cannot comprehend; we would instead ask for the wisdom and understanding that only comes from God. I would further teach that if the words are in the Bible there is a reason for them, and rather than try to explain them away or explain how they don’t mean what they obviously say, we should study and pray and try to find how to apply them to our lives.
I would also think a guide to practical Christian living would have to include a warning to not be too terribly hard on oneself as they compare their own life to the life of Jesus Christ, who is our earthly example. He led a totally perfect life and every time we compare ourselves to Him in a natural way we will come up short. We are told in the book of Romans that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Accept that as a fact and along with Paul, die daily. We must realize this walk with God is a walk. We are not instantly transformed from our lives of sin to one of sinless perfection. We learn our lessons of Christianity from study and prayer; but also from living and having to use our will to not do the things we used to do. We strive for, and can achieve spiritual growth and while we are growing we need not beat ourselves up over failures. Many denominations will stress “works” and how they contribute to salvation; but I think the Bible teaches that works are something that will naturally follow the believer. The further our walk with God the more works we will have to show. Romans 8:1 teaches; “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” There are those who will say that if we follow something of the flesh then that is not walking after the Spirit and we should feel condemnation; but I would point to two verses to differ. 1 John 1:9 tells; “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Also from 1 John 3:20; “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.”
Unfortunately we do still make mistakes. We may even make the same one over and over as we are trying to put the old man away and move into the new life given to us by the blood of Jesus Christ. When we make these mistakes we should ask for forgiveness and move on. The devil will point out our mistakes and try to convince us we are not even saved; but as we just read; God is greater than our heart that will condemn us. Let us walk in faith realizing that our righteousness is not where it is anyhow. It is all about Him.
Continue to read your Bible and pray and look to Him.
Tags: practical christianity, spiritual growth, walking the walk
