As we go along in life as a Christian, we can become too complacent and comfortable, assuming that we will never be deceived and never fall.
The bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:12 - Therefore, the one who thinks that he stands must watch out lest he fall.
Just like we take the time to get our car tuned up on a regular basis, we would be wise to check & tune up our spiritual life. In the bible, in the book of Revelation, chapter two, Jesus commends the Ephesians for their many good works, but they had lost their warmth and zeal for Christ, and when that happened, they began to "go through the motions" of good works by themselves. What was once a love relationship, subtly changed into mere religion. They were no longer passionate for Him. I love how Jesus gave them a way out of their religious state in Revelation 2:5 by clearly stating how to correct their problem. Here's what He said: "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place - unless you repent. In other words go back to where you were when you realized you loved Christ because He first loved you, (1 John 4:19) and that it was, in fact, His love for you that so overwhelmed you and made you alive in Christ. Once a year I like to evaluate and give myself an honest report card of how I am doing spiritually. The following are some of the questions I ask myself:
Has my relationship with God actually changed the way I live?
Do I see evidence of God's kingdom in my life, or am I choking it out slowly by spending too much time, energy, money and thought on the things of this world?
Am I satisfied being "Godly enough" to get myself to heaven, or to look good in comparison to others?
Would I describe myself as totally in love with Jesus Christ, or do the words halfhearted, lukewarm and partially committed fit better?
Isaiah 29:13 - The Lord says, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men."
Most of us know that to have a relationship with God it involves studying the Bible to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,
2 Timothy 2:15. Prayer: -Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgivng, present your requests to God, Philippians 4:6. Worship: - Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, Psalm 150:6.
Most important: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind,
Matthew 22:37.
As I evaluate my own spiritual life, I realize I need to be more intentional and consistently remind myself of HIM, that He is eternal, all knowing, all powerful, fair and just.
