Growing

I am starting to really understand what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ. You see, following Christ changes everything about your life. You no longer have the right to just do what you want, say what you want, or act how you want. You have to place the things of Christ above the things of this world.

Most of my life really has been about me.  Lately, God has made it clear to me that I have to change.  My sin can no longer be comfortable or acceptable in my own eyes.  I must allow the Holy Spirit to work in me so I hate sin as much as He hates it. My friendships must now be more intentional.  They must be there for God’s glory before being there for my felt needs. My possessions are no longer mine. My house, my car, my stuff, and my food ALL belong to Christ. 

Yes, it may sound like I’m upset over all of this, but I’m not. I am thankful that the God of Creation is changing and transforming me, not leaving me to the man I would become if left on my own.   

2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 

Ezekiel 36:26 states, “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

So you see, God is doing just what He said He will do.  He is making me new.  He is giving me a new heart. I could not be the man God wants me to be without the process that God is taking me though.  Even though there are times that I want to make this life about me; my wants, my desires, and my needs. My God makes it clear to me, that this is about Him and what He is doing.  It is about how He knows what’s best for me and how best to live my life. 

You may think that God is arrogant. I have come to know that this it is just God being God. He is not arrogant, He is good and kind and loving, and He only does what is best for those who chose to follow Him.