Now that you are a Christ-follower, you have some important decisions to make. What are you going to pursue? Are the goals you're chasing worthy of your life in Christ? Find help in charting your future in today's devotional.
As the Apostle Paul wrote to his younger protege, Timothy, he instructed him in godly living. 2 Timothy 2:22 says: “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”
Now that you are a Christ-follower, you have some important decisions to make. You need to decide to avoid those things that are characteristics of immaturity, whether these be sexual desires or a passion for the things of earth rather than for the things that honor God. But there is also a positive aspect of what you should pursue.
Do these qualities reflect what your life is like at present? If not, they are goals you should seek to emulate. Notice also that your closest friends should be those believers who are living pure lives.
Associating with those who call themselves believers but who live like unbelievers will hurt your witness for Christ. In this regard, Paul told the believers in Corinth about proper associations.
He said in 1 Corinthians 5:9-11: “When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn't talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don't even eat with such people.”
You will be known by the company you keep so choose your companions carefully. Fellow believers who have a passion for honoring the Lord in their lives will be an encouragement to you and will be used of the Lord in giving you strength for your spiritual journey.
What's something new about God you learned through this message?
Who in your life needs to know this about God?
References:
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