‘Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’ (vv1–2) Colossians 3
Following Jesus begins with a decision. At some point, we must say yes, or no, to God. We don’t stumble into God’s kingdom. No one gets married unintentionally.
Indeed, there is often months of preparation before couples make their decision publicly. As Christians, we are the Bride of Christ (Rev. 21:9), so we are to live true to our vows of commitment to Jesus.
As with marriage, following Jesus demands we leave one way of life to embrace another. No longer totally alone, we need to learn to live in close proximity with another; in this case, the Holy Spirit.
Whatever our status in life – single, married, divorced or widowed; we are, once with Christ, never alone. This means our thoughts and actions are always available to God for scrutiny.
We may be able to deceive ourselves and others, but never God. So, we must set our minds to living God’s way as revealed in Scripture.
It is one measure of our determination. There are many hazards along the way, but determination, a willingness to keep trying, is the true measure of our Christian commitment.
On reflection, I can point to innumerable personal failures but, upon confession, I find forgiveness. I pick myself up to resume my journey. God’s Word encourages us to keep pursuing our desire to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.
RELATED SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Deut. 6:1–9; Psa. 103; Rom. 14:1–12; 1 John 1:5–10.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: What undermines your determination to walk in Jesus’ footsteps?
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, help me to choose to serve You every day, in my thoughts, words and deeds. Amen.’
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