Journeying With Jesus
Many times, we believe the salvation story ends with the phrase, “I accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Saviour”, but it’s not. It is rather the beginning of the journey. The Bible tells us of the transformation, growth and changes one who accepts Jesus goes through; he or she becomes a new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17)
Being born-again is not a state one walks into simply by affirming words, it's a process one grows or is transformed into. As Matthew 7:21 (NKJV) says, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
Accepting and following Christ is a lifetime journey of commitment. One would have to avail themselves to be changed into the perfect image of Christ by consciously following His steps through the enablement of the Holy Spirit.
That intentional decision to follow, to change, and to grow cannot be made for us by anyone, not even the Holy Spirit. We have been given the free will to decide. In Deuteronomy 30:15 &19, man is given the chance to choose between life and death. God says, “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
It didn't read, “I have chosen life for you” but rather “choose life”, a humble suggestion so that you live. Hence, it is completely the wrong mindset we have as young believers, that the moment we accept Christ, God magically makes us a new person, takes away our weaknesses, and we become all spiritual and perfect. That's a big lie! We have a major role to play.
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). We all know the response is NO. And in our daily lives, we make a conscious effort to spend time with the people we love; bonding with people is not automatic. The same applies to our journey with Christ. After declaring by mouth, we put on our shoes to start the journey. Firstly, by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23). This, as the first step, is the foundation to all the others, until our carnal minds are renewed, rebirthed by the word of God, our transformation has not begun.
With our minds renewed, our mindset will change, our priorities will change, our associations will change, our demeanour and appearance will change - in short, our lives will change (Col. 3:10). Not by default, but by our consistent efforts and decisions. As our fundamental beliefs and principles are challenged by the wisdom gained through the Word, our conscious acceptance and willingness to be washed, sanctified and justified brings about the transformation (2 Cor. 6:11). Change as a process is neither straightforward nor easy. There will be falls and setbacks, but the Grace is sufficient for us if we intentionally tap into it.
Remember, we are not journeying alone; we're in this with Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. (Heb. 12:2) He has promised “never to leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). And that, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” (Isaiah 43:2 KJV)
So now, are you ready to consciously acknowledge your journey with Christ? Or are you yet to start the journey? Kindly read Psalm 51:1-17 and say a short prayer to God. He's waiting to hear from you now.
And may the Grace of God be sufficient to you as you follow Him daily step by step.
Shalom!