Christians are in their millions in the world yet often it appears like they have greatly reduced in number. I am happy that when I search for them I do find them, particularly online. They are easy to locate after a moving Christian practice such as a sermon, gospel rendition, a testimony and a miracle manifested through prayer. It always gives me comfort to know that I am not alone but that I belong to a family, a big one out there.
I just was watching Billy Graham’s sermons the other day on YouTube and then browsed through the comments. I was so intrigued by the confessions, prayers and testimonies from brethren as I read through. How lovely it would be if the world was full of such comments from every corner. This would be encouraging to people that are faced with all sorts of challenges. Thinking of myself, I would know that even when I fail in one area of my walk with Christ, the next person would understand that I’m only a human working towards likening my life to that of Christ. No wonder John records in 1 John 2:1 that if we happen to sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.
The joy of belonging
Christians are happy people when they unite in their various forms of fellowship which include bible study, prayer, praise and worship. There is no cost to being a Christian other than deciding to accept the invitation to Christ and then join the happy family. Don’t you want to experience such joy and warmth of the Christian family? Don’t you want to get your answers from God the Creator by just reading the word of God and not wonder around looking for answers from other creation?
It is wonderful that God has given us His Word compiled in one book, the Bible. It is our guide and it is inspired by God to and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16). That is why it is important not to take any preacher at his or her word but gain comfort in confirmed declarations by searching the scriptures yourself. There is no other way around this or you will fall pray for the devil that uses people to abuse scriptures in many ways.
I can tell you through experience that being a Christian is fulfilling. It may not be easy, but it is a life one would not want to abandon once fully experienced. I want to emphasize on that Christianity must be ‘fully experienced’ if it is to be enjoyed. This is a continuous practice of what the Bible teaches, including the following;
- Testifying or sharing with others the lovely experience of being a Christian
- Preaching and inviting others to join the family through accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour
- Giving a helping hand to others in form of money, alms and time
- Praying, which must sometimes include fasting
- Studying the Bible alone, as a family and in fellowship with other brethren
- Visiting the sick, widows and sharing in their sorrow
A Christian is a person who subjects his or her body to the dictates of the Bible. It is not different from an athlete who knows what to eat and what not to eat, at specific times and amounts. It calls for commitment and sacrifice. Again, there is no other way around this.
Attaching tactics of the devil
I want to bring you attention to three major areas that emerged as battle grounds at the time of Jesus temptation according to Matthew 4. These are areas that a Christian ought to watch out for in living a disciplined life for Christ.
- The flesh
When Jesus was hungry, the devil tempted Him with abuse of the power to do miracles. The devil proposed for Jesus to turn stones into bread to meet the flesh need for food. We find this in Matthew 4:3. For a Christian or even Jesus, it could have included all other desires of the flesh. The flesh expresses its needs that the devil is well aware of and therefore could use to tempt Christians.
“The devil will tempt you through your flesh”
- The joy of being a child of God
Jesus was by all means a son to God, highly favored and the begotten son. When the devil pushed Jesus to test His position of comfort with the Almighty God according to verse 6, Jesus did not yield to that temptation. He didn’t abuse His birth right.
“The devil will tempt you to test the love God has for you and want you to abuse it”
- The world
Jesus was tempted in the area of loving the world and its beauty. We see this in verse 8. The world has all the beauty one can imagine. The line of temptation is getting worldly pleasures and a way that offends God. It is when you will get great possessions through theft, robbery, embezzling, etc.
“The devil will tempt you with the glitters of the world”
These are just some areas in which you will battle with the devil a lot on. It’s a lifelong battle an therefore you need strength to keep fighting. Remember that it only the one that endures to the end that will be crowned with the gift of life (Matthew 24:13).
You are welcome to accept Jesus by praying the prayer of repentance and the decide to follow His teachings.
Be blessed.
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