"Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." (Mark 8:34)
It's easy to say "I love you" to someone, but it's one thing to show that you love them. It's easy to say "I'm a Christian", but it's another to live like one. "So Jamilya, are you saying that just because I say I'm a Christian doesn't mean that I am one?" Technically, yes and no. The definition of a Christian is anyone who believes and follows Jesus Christ. We have a lot of people who say that they believe, but don't follow Christ. Jesus states in the Mark 8:34(above) that we must turn from our selfish ways and follow Him. That means that we can't curse and say that we follow Christ. That means we can't have premarital sex and say that we follow Him. We can't listen to the latest Drake or Meek Mill song and say we follow Christ. Everything that goes against God's will must stop. Now, nobody's perfect & everyone messes up from time to time. The difference is if you know that what you're doing is wrong but you keep doing it, then you are not turning from your selfish ways.
I'm not here to judge because I mess up from time to time, but I am here to let you know that if you want to be a real follower of Christ some sacrifices have to be made. There has been plenty of times where I had to give up friendships/relationships because they were not the will of God. It may be tough to get rid of somethings, but I guarantee you that our reward in Heaven will be worth it!
Today, I encourage you to don't just say that you are a Christian but LIVE like one! Jesus wants to see that you really did turn from those things you held on to the most to follow Him. Instead of partying, go to church. Instead of listening to Lil Wayne, or who ever, listen to Lecrae. When you feel like you want to curse someone out, PRAY instead. The world is watching, but most importantly Jesus is watching. We don't want Him to tell us to depart from Him because we said we were Christians, but were like Peter and denied Him.
Deny yourself, choose what God wants, and follow Jesus because in the end saying "I'm a Christian" is not enough.
-Jamilya
It's mostly the part with secular music I have to learn to overcome. My ipod is mostly clean from wordly music, but sometimes you just watch a movie or listen to the radio at a store when an old song comes up and then I won't be able to get it out of my head for weeks!
ReplyDeleteIt's a struggle that I know won't end suddenly, but I'm quite sure that God who has helped me out so far will perfect it!
Have a blessed day :)
Absoluely Lumi. I actually had the same issue because I love music, but God has helped me & He will help you too! What I do when a secular song is in my head is play a gospel/Christian song with about the same vibe, but of course more positive!
DeleteThanks for reading & following!
Be blessed, sis! :)