Since God 'arrested' me, I have sought to learn about Him and what He expects of me in this life. I have sought to understand the deeper things of God. It’s an endless process; I am still learning.
Over the years, while querying certain things in my mind, I have come to believe that there are two kinds of Christians; just two.
The first group comprises Christians who mean business; Christians who are serious about worship and following the will of God exclusively; Christians who are focused on the Kingdom life.
Such Christians are always alert, always seeking deeper knowledge pertaining to this wonderful life. Above all, such Christians walk their talk. I am sure you have met Christians of this kind. Some people view such Christians as 'extremists' because they are not used to seeing such devotion to God. There are not many such 'extremists' in the world, by my estimation.
On the other hand, there are Christians who appear absent-minded, regardless of the period they’ve worshipped God, to the extent that those who ought to be teachers are still fighting for milk reserved for those in kindergarten.
Such Christians are either ignorant or appear ignorant even of the most basic Christian principles and are not even worried about this. It appears as though they are unaware of their new-birth status. This is quite disturbing! Sometimes one wonders what the motive of such Christians is.
It’s not enough just to be born again. God does not expect us to end at the point of receiving Christ in our hearts. He expects us to go further and live the new life. Yes, we are children of God, but we must also walk in the light of our new birth!
Why should Christians live like they are not born again? Why should Christians act like they are still in the world?
Our new birth should gush from the inside and manifest on the outside. We should not just hear the Word and shout, “Praise God!” but we should go on to live it!
Look here: Christians are supposed to be Christ’s ambassadors. Zimbabwean ambassadors abroad are addressed as Your Excellency because they represent the Head of State. They talk the same language as the Head of State, they behave like the Head of State, they do only those things that they know the Head of State would approve; otherwise they would be recalled.
In the same manner we have a Heavenly Head of State, and as Christians we should be representing Him here on earth in the most appropriate manner.
People should never see us in us; instead, they should see Christ in us! If people continue to see us in us it means that we are not walking in the light of our new birth. It is just like an ambassador going around claiming to be a Head of State, representing only himself! Would the real Head of State be happy with such an ambassador?
As soon as God 'arrested' me I awakened to His abiding presence. Even as a brand new Christian I became acutely aware of the will of God on various issues pertaining to my life. I believe the Spirit of God started ministering to me right from the time I said, “I do”. I went on to correct whatever I felt needed to be corrected. Wherever I was, I felt like the Father was towering over me all the time; I still feel the same way.
God molded me, just as He continues to do; teaching me to walk in the light of the new birth - teaching me how to be a true representative of Christ on the earth.
There is one verse in the Bible that makes my heart beat a little faster each time I read it. Here’s the verse: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1, NIV).
Each time I read this verse my attention is drawn to two words. These words are “set apart.” Paul was set apart; glory to God! Peter was set apart. I too was set apart. You were set apart.
The striking thing in this verse is that Paul was fully conscious of his calling; this is why he could speak like that. He said, “I, Paul, was set apart for the gospel of God.” Excellent! Paul could live within the confines of his calling because he was always conscious of it. He was separated unto the gospel. His knowledge of this resulted in him living in the light of his separation!
Are you conscious that as a Christian you were separated unto God? If you are, why would you still live like you were separated unto another?
The Bible says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl (Matthew 5:14-15, NIV). This means only one thing; if you are not living in line with your new birth then you are a light located under a bowl. This kind of light is the same as no light, for it benefits nobody, and God would not be too happy with a light that does not serve the purpose He intended for it.
But what’s the Lord’s instruction on this matter? Here goes, “ … let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16, NIV). Do you see why God gets disappointed when you fail to walk in the light of your new birth? It’s because people will not see any good deeds in you and will therefore not praise God because of what they see in you.
But if your light shines as it ought to, then people will see the sparkle in your life and will want the same thing. You will be able to draw them to God so that they become children together with you. You see?
You need to think about these issues always. The world is groaning for salvation, but salvation will only come to the world if we, as Christians, live lives that will shine on the unsaved. But if our lights are in reality darkness, then how would we succeed in exhorting others to come to the light that they do not see in us?
Here is something to think about always: “ … let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16, NIV).
What kind of a Christian are you?
God bless you!
DEVOTIONAL PRAYER
Prayer Point for Today: That I may walk closely with my God for the rest of my life.
Father, there is one thing I desire above all else - that I may live in Your house for the rest of my life. I do not desire to live elsewhere.
When You look at me, may You find pleasure in my appearance. May You speak the same words You spoke about Jesus, "This is my child, in whom I am extremely delighted."
Nothing else comes even remotely close to this in value. No amount of fame, wealth, and power can come close the treasure of salvation I received through Christ. Father, may Your grace help guard this treasure.
Father, I thank You for the life in Christ. I thank You for making me Your own. I may lack any other earthly possession, but as long as You are with me, my joy will always abound.
In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray.
Amen.