Digging Deeper

 ”What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” -Mark 8:36

When you choose to follow Christ there needs to be life change. You cannot go from being a person of this world to being a follower of Christ and continue doing what you did in your former life. You will find you need to adjust your values some. This does not mean you have to automatically give up everything of your former self but as you progress on your spiritual journey you will probably discover things you will begin to cast off. As you grow in Christ some things may not seem as important or even right for you. Things such as drinking. It does not say in the Bible that you should not drink at all but it does warn of doing anything to excess. You may start to re-evaluate the reasons you drink or the amount that you consume. You may even decide to give it up entirely.

You will start to weigh things against what would be pleasing to Christ. Such as your use of profanity. You may begin to talk more positive about others and show more care and concern.

You may find yourself spending time with different people and less time in places you may not need to be in the first place. What you watch on TV or read will probably change.

I am going through an adjustment period myself right now. I am trying to adjust my sleep habits. I have found that if/when I wake up earlier I can have more time to be in prayer and in The Word and I value that more than the late nights of mindless TV or web surfing. This adjustment is not easy for me but I feel it is a big step in my walk with Christ.

These adjustment periods will occur throughout your walk and they can be very difficult times. You will need to be in God’s word and seek the counsel of God and others that have been there and made it through. But, as you begin to re-determine your values you will find yourself making the necessary adjustments and as you make these adjustments you will find yourself growing closer to Jesus.

Lord, reveal to us the adjustments we need to make in our lives and how to make them. Father, guide us in the path that leads us closer to You and the life You want us to lead. Amen

by Rick Phillips