Are You Just Holding A Golden Ticket?

How many of us that say we are Christians actually are? Notice I didn’t say saved. The Bible says in Matthew 7:21 (ESV, emphasis mine)—

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 

There are thousands, maybe even millions, of people in this world that hold that glorious “golden ticket” to Heaven. But, how many are actually SERVING Christ? I don’t mean being a deacon, youth minister, Sunday school teacher, or choir member either. Have you totally, daily surrendered your life to Jesus in everything that you do? We are instructed, in Romans 12:2, to be transformed by renewing our minds. I will go one step further and say, as a true Christian, you need to allow God to make you a new person all together. Let Him give you a new heart.

It is one thing to know of God, but do you really know God? I made this mistake for years. I grew up in the church. I was in a pew every time the doors were open, but I failed to build that relationship with Him. I allowed the devil to trick me into thinking everything was smooth sailing when I prayed the sinner’s prayer. What I didn’t realize was, we are commanded to do more.  The Apostle Paul tells us, in Ephesians 4:22, that—

In reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit…

Did you see it? Lay aside the old self. We can’t say we serve God Almighty and continue to be the person we have always been, it’s just not possible. Paul goes on to say, in verses 23-32—

Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

We must become a new person and model ourselves after Christ. “How do I do this?” you might ask. Don’t worry. God would never leave us hanging in the dark. I will summarize the rest of verses 25-32:

·  Speak only the truth, do not lie

·  It is okay to get angry, but do not do so in a sinful manner

·  If you have a disagreement with someone, talk it out calmly

·  Do not let a hurt or misunderstanding fester overnight. Again, talk it out

·  Do not gossip or spread rumors, only say things to lift up others

·  Do not “stir the pot” or talk bad about someone else

·  Do not hold onto bitterness, wrath, or anger

·  Be kind and tender-hearted to everyone

·  Forgive just as God has forgiven you

This only scratches the surface, but it does get us heading in the right direction. Above all of this, we need to get into the scriptures DAILY. Allow God to minister and talk to you through His word, the Bible. Commune with Him by praying. Do you think you would have a healthy relationship with your spouse or children if you never talked to them? Of course not! Talk to God, and He will most definately talk back to you. These are the keys to success, I promise you!

The most important thing to take away from all of this is, accepting Jesus into your heart doesn’t mean that is where we should stop. Let us all become followers of Christ. Allow God to mold you and make you into a brand new person, someone that makes people question your change.

I would like to leave you with a verse from John 14:27 (NIV)—

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

God Bless,

Michael