When I read this I see comfortable people that think church is their relationship with Jesus but we all need to have our own relationship so we learn how to be fruitful and love the way God loves. Our acceptance leads us to a new life, one that is lived out for others, and we open our heart and mind to follow what we are learning.
Romans chapter 6 verses 1-2 puts a great picture to our new lives in Christ. Paul writes, “Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of His wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?” This is a great reminder that change is a part of our believing in Jesus Christ. When we accept Jesus as Lord the sin we used to do so easily should disgust us as we grow in Him. Some of those sinful habits we have done for so long will need our devotion to seeking and seeing God’s word as alive and active.
Jesus’ death covers sin in the world and gives us that bridge to the Father but we can’t take it lightly. Look what Paul says in the book of Titus chapter 2 verses 12-13, “And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.”
Our belief in Jesus is our beginning of the journey that should be filled with asking, seeking and knocking or us devoting to God as it say in the previous verse. Devotion is a word that means a strong attachment to or affection for a cause or person marked by dedicated loyalty. Can you see how devoting to God is much more than going to church or using the term I am a Christian. Devoting to God means we desire to learn and grow to know what He has shown us and live our lives that way.
Jesus came to show us perfect living and in Him we have the strength to do all things and that means deny our sinful nature and listen to the Spirit. The more we devote to what Jesus showed us the more we can resemble Christ in how we live. Look at what Paul says in Titus chapter 1 verse 16, “Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.” The good is not only works it is helping make disciples and being fruitful in our lives so others hear and see Christ’s love. Our learning will never stop because we are not perfect so let’s make our relationship one that is fully devoted to the change God has given us through Jesus and let the Spirit lead us to be the kinds of people that are pleasing to the Father. Amen