Originally published Monday, 23 April 2018.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Hello Kingdom Woman! If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior (today or for a while now), that is exactly who you are. Amen! So, believe it and own it. Next, after salvation, is the Living the Life of Christianity part. And that’s what I’m going to be talking about in this week’s post.
Let me start off by saying that this will NOT be a legalistic approach, instead a biblical one. Thank God I’ve learned and know the difference. So, no worries there! What I am going to share with you will be tips and Bible verses that will help you do exactly what I described in the opening. My prayer is that this post will simply serve as an aid to help you live a life that pleases our heavenly Father, brings you more freedom and joy, and helps you be a more effective witness to the life of faith.
Okay…let’s dive in!
Living the life of Christianity is one that is led by the Holy Spirit daily. In other words, if you haven’t already gotten in the habit of being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, that would be the starting place. He is your guide in this life and He lives inside of you. Even though that may seem like a “Duh, Courtnaye!” moment, you would be amazed at how many believers are walking around who either don’t know the power and guidance that lies right within them or have never been taught this biblical truth (John 14:16-17). I was one of them almost 15 years ago. So listen to Him, yield to Him, and obey His voice. You will be so grateful that you did!
Living the life of Christianity is also one that is led by prayer and fasting (see Esther 4:16, Matthew 6:5-18). Prayer is a lifestyle and it goes with our relationship with God. So talk to Him often and about everything - no matter if things are good or bad. Also, when God is calling you to do something major for Him or if you need His guidance on something pretty big in your life, consider calling a personal fast (or if your church calls for a corporate fast). This is a really good practice to implement into your Christian life. This is totally for today and it works in such a powerful way!
Living the life of Christianity is one of confessing your sins to God when you sin. It’s not a-one-and-done thing. When we sin against God, we still need to confess and repent (turn away from it). As believers, we can’t keep on sinning and go on with life. The New Testament warns us in Hebrews 10:26, “Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.” In other words, the writer is saying don’t trample the blood of Jesus after He died for our sins. Also, 1 John 1:6 and 9 says, “So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth...But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” There are so many Scriptures about this very topic. NOTE: The struggle is real, but we can overcome with the power of Jesus and the help of the Holy Spirit leading us to confess and repent of it.
Living the life of Christianity is also about putting on the character of Christ (i.e. being loving, kind, gentle, forgiving, humble, having self-control, etc.) and reading, studying, and obeying the Word of God. James 1:22 helps us to grasp this biblical truth, “But be ye doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Meaning, we run the risk of deceiving ourselves when we just hear a message, but neglect to or decide that we’re not going to allow that Word to change us in our hearts, minds, and actions. When we live according to the Word of God as Christians, it not only pleases the heart of God, but it also reveals to the world that we are His children and that we’re changed. We may be in the world, but we no longer act like it. This is what makes them thirsty and hungry for what we have, which is a life in Christ. The key to living this way is by obeying what we hear in the Scriptures.
Also, living the life of Christianity is not always easy. We have tests, trials, misunderstandings, relationship issues, financial struggles, spiritual warfare, and the list could literally go on. But we also have the Lord with us. We are not alone at all. He is with us in the pain and hardship. I would say Jesus sums it up in John 16:33, “In this world, you will have trouble. But fear not, because I have overcome the world.” He totally understands. That’s where our peace comes from.
Living the life of Christianity is also joyful and enjoyable! There is nothing like a good fellowship with fellow Christian brothers and sisters. It’s one of my personal favorites. This includes being with one another in church, bible study, or small (discipleship) groups, talking over coffee or tea, women’s conferences or even praying for or serving one another (see Hebrews 10:23-25, 1 Peter 4:8-10, Galatians 6:2, Romans 15:5).
Lastly, living the life of Christianity is also evangelistic. We are called to share the hope that is within us with those who don’t know Christ (see 1 Peter 3:15). We are called to be salt and light to a dark and dying world (Matthew 5:13-16). So if you struggle with sharing your faith with others, I encourage you to research some how-to-articles on it, grab a few books, and pray for God to give you the knowledge and boldness to do it. And if you’re already sharing your faith, praise the Lord, sis! Keep it going!
Listen. I pray that you’re not feeling overwhelmed by all of this. Even though this post is telling you all about living the Christian life, it doesn’t all happen overnight. This is a lifelong process. It’s a daily walk. It’s a journey. It’s a walk with Him.
So, no pressure here at all. Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 11:30, “My yoke is easy, my burden is light.” And 1 John 5:3, “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commands are not burdensome.” Meaning, He will not put unnecessary weights on you and neither will I. God’s Word is here for you and I to help us get to know Him deeper, for salvation, to mature, encourage one another, and help lead others to Christ. That’s the Christian life in a nutshell.
Just take it one day at a time. God’s got you! At least now you know a little more about what living the life of Christianity is all about. It’s actually the best decision you’ve ever made in this life!
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon. And those who endure unto the end, shall be saved. Let’s be ready from the Inside Out.
~Courtnaye
QUESTION: How are you in your walk with the Lord? Are things going well or are you struggling in any of these areas? If you'd like prayer, you can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.
ALSO, my NEW 8-Week Study Guide and Video Teaching Series from my book, "IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose” is FINALLY available!!! Purchase here.
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