I’ve said this several times over the last few weeks—It’ll be the best year of your life if it’s the best year of your life spiritually! Do you want to know what steps you can take—even staring today—to make your spiritual life soar?
One thing you need to do is step back and examine your life. If you’ve dedicated your life to Christ and hold fast to the Word of God, you know that when you belong to Christ, you are a new person. The old you is gone. But what if you don’t FEEL like your old life is gone? Or what if you’re still living in sin? Misery loves company, and Satan is trying to drag everyone down with him. Don’t let him take you down!
There are three things you have to understand when examining your life. First, look at your history and understand that’s it’s just that—history! You don’t need to live in the past, dwell on past mistakes, or falsely believe that you’re not strong enough to resist old temptations. Embrace the new you, and know that you have God on your side. He wants you to be successful and walk in godliness.
Secondly, acknowledge that while you’ve been hurt in the past and are even being hurt right now, that doesn’t define you. You have a Comforter, and He is bigger than any hurt from your past, present, or future. If you let hurt get in the way of walking out your calling, you’re truly missing out on the joy of living!
Lastly, look at your habits. Are they your old habits from before you knew Christ, or are they habits that help you be a better person? Habits such as remembering to talk to God every day and aiming for physical health (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and spiritual heath (1 Timothy 4:8) will help you accept the new you.
Your history, your hurts, and your habits might be what are standing in your way today. Don’t let these things stand in your way! Being born again means you have been recreated and restored. Choosing godliness is choosing to walk in victory. If you perceive the truth—that you are who God says you are—that will become your reality. Even if you don’t feel new, begin perceiving yourself the way God does and get your feelings to follow your faith!