SEEK TO LIVE A MORE CHRISTLIKE LIFE

SEEKING TO LIVE A MORE
CHRIST LIKE LIFE

No matter how much we read the Bible and try to apply the word of God to our lives we will fall short of perfection and in our efforts to emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ we will fail. We live in a sin-filled world and are bombarded by the temptations of Satan every day of our lives. Whether it is by open rebellion against God or just subtle ways of ignoring the teachings of the Bible, in one way or the other we will fall short of perfection. Even the most devout follower of Jesus Christ was and is the only perfect person who ever lived; we can only strive for perfection through His teachings and applying them to our lives.

As we grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ, we come to see beyond ourselves and reach out to our brothers and sisters who are searching for the same things we are and help them on their journey of life and in the process helping ourselves in what it means to be our brother’s keeper. In this process, we dispel the old adage that once the apple has started to rot it cannot be saved. Just as one cuts out the bad part of the apple and discards it so can we dispose of old habits and replace them with the love and truth of Jesus that heals the wounds of sin. There may be scars left, but they will serve as a reminder that Jesus is our redeemer and friend who loved us enough to sacrifice His life on the cross in payment for our sins so that we can achieve eternal life and through eternal life achieve perfection.

Jesus’ redemptive love transcends time and is just effective today as when He was here on earth over two thousand years ago. Jesus Christ is the door to eternal life and no matter who or how many claim to have the secret to eternal life and perfection have no truth in them and are representatives of Satan trying to deceive even the elect. For a period of time they may be effective in their efforts through deceit but once exposed to the truths of God, they are exposed as being like ravaging wolves trying to fill their own pockets. They espouse half-truths that lead many astray. It is imperative to expose all teachings and requests to the truths as found in the Holy Bible and if found to be sound then follow them, otherwise cast them away before you become enticed to follow them and end up a victim of Satan.

Jesus knocks on our door of life, some hear and open the door and asks Him to come into their lives, thus avoiding much of the deception that many offer in the name of Jesus. Others ignore Jesus and listen to those who espouse enough of the truth to make them sound as though they are worthy of following. Words and suggestions when put in the right light can deceive many and lead them down the path of destruction. It is for each one to either receive the word of Jesus and adhere to it and live a life more pleasing to God or reject Jesus’ admonitions and put ourselves in danger of the damnation.

Extend your hand to your brothers and sisters in Christ’ love as Jesus extended his hand to you, share the love of Jesus and how it has changed your life and your perception of others. We are all children of God living life in many different ways with but one purpose in mind, seeking to live life in the light of God’s word. Life’s experiences molds our thinking and either brings us closer to God or drives us away, that is why it is our obligation as Christians to live a life that others may see God in how we live and want the same for themselves. We are to be as a “Light” set upon a hill, reflecting God’s love in our lives, a love that is all-inclusive and at the same time does not put one above another, for all are equal in the sight of God.

Merrill Phillips