Many are convinced that this life has been given to them to do whatever they want. It’s true that God has given every human free will to choose. Most will agree this is one of the greatest gifts mankind has been given, but the problem is that our carnal human nature does not want what God wants. You see, the Lord desires to use us exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or imagine, but the only way we can truly please him is to do what he says. This sounds simple, but it’s no secret that humans are experts in the areas of compromising and negotiating.
When the subject of freedom is discussed, we think how amazing it is to have the liberty to live independently and make our own decisions, but this is based on human logic. When we make the holy vow to receive Christ as our Lord and to obey him in everything, we no longer follow our own agenda.
This spiritual reality is the most difficult challenge within the Christian life. Since we have also been given a clever mind, it is here where the real battle of good and evil is engaged. Allow me to clarify: Only those who have a passion to know and love God and are sensitive to his voice choose to participate in spiritual warfare.
It’s elementary to say that being a Christian is a dedication to living for God, but this is not as easy as it seems. There is no greater personal event than receiving Jesus, as he transforms us into a child of God and secures our future in heaven, among many other amazing blessings. The rest of our life is devoted to learning God’s word and our responsibility to obey him. We love to hear about all the benefits of being born again but become uncomfortable when we realize we are accountable for our lukewarmness and rebellion.
For some, the only time they are serious about talking to God is when they need something. He has a purpose for all of us that is far beyond our dreams, but until we invite him to be our Lord and give him control, we will not fully enjoy this astonishing covenant relationship he wants with us.