Donnie Floyd
Gulf War Veteran, Former Police Officer, Hendrick Motorsports Chaplain †
We know that we have come to know Him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know Him," but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in Him. But if anyone obeys His word, God's love is truly made complete in Him. 1 John 2:3-5
Christianity does not have to feel like you are always walking on a rail afraid you're going to fall off. If you truly believe and wish to live a life of complete surrender, there is no rail anymore. If you believe and you still want to live in a man-centered pride filled way, you will always be on the rail. The Bible says you cannot serve two masters. You must serve Christ or the world!
- Broken4:17
As the song say's, have you been broken? Have you had fears or been overcome with the thoughts of death? The world say's, you are your own master and you should not feel this way. You however, have chosen to give it all to Christ, so now what? So you have repented and surrendered your life to Christ. What now? Most wonder, what should I do, how should I feel, how should I act? The Bible says once you become a Christian, you are a new person. ( 2 Corinthians 5:17) The first thing you need to know is that you are now saved from the wrath of God. (John 3:36) Also, do not rely on your feelings. Rely on God's truth and the word of God. You may wonder when the newness will happen. The Bible calls this Sanctification, which is a process of becoming more and more like Christ. This will affect both your character and your conduct. (Colossians 3:1-17) Unfortunately, we try to make this happen on our own. Although there is a human element to change, we cannot do it ourselves. The book of Acts says that once we believe, I am talking about true authentic faith here, the Holy Spirit dwells inside of us. I know this sounds unbelievable, but it's true. God speaks to you through His Spirit. We have a choice if we choose to act or not act on it.
Understand that transformation and change is because of gratitude to Christ for His saving grace and because it's the way God wants us to be. It is best for you and humanity. We do not change for the sake of people, but to be a light for Christ. God also wants us to be filled with love, peace, joy, happiness, reverence, understanding, discernment, knowledge of His word, and faith. What God does not want, is a carnal christian, one that believes, yet lives as if there is no God and looks just like the rest of the unbelieving world.
Mostly, God wants you to grow in your faith. He does not want you to be a spiritual baby your entire life. He wants you to understand your faith, know why you believe, and He wants you to be prepared to share your faith with others so they may know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. In this process, God wants you to serve others with the gifts He has given you. (1 Corinthians 12:7) Part of your transformation and maturity in your faith is knowing how and where God wants to use you to serve others in the furtherance of His Kingdom. We are to use our spiritual gifts to build up other Christians, create unity, express love, and reach new Christians. As you grow in your faith, you must trust Jesus Christ through the good and the bad. "The righteous man shall live by faith." (Galatians 3:11)
Pray to God daily, He responds by His will (John 15:7)
Read the Bible daily, for this is the truth (Acts 17:11)
Obey God and His Word (John 14:21)
Don't be afraid to Share your faith in Christ by your life and words (Matthews 4:19)
Trust God in all areas of your life (1 Peter 5:7)