This is the transformation that is so important for us to have when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. Paul says “work hard to show the results of your salvation,” by reading and praying we learn what God desires and we equip ourselves with the wisdom that He gives so we can live our lives differently. It says for us to, “…obey God with deep reverence and fear,” He wants us to be with Him for eternity. He shows His love constantly by giving us His word and His Spirit to help guide us so we have the hope to follow Jesus. Are we willing to accept what He has given and then surrender what we want to do with what He desires? That is exactly what Jesus did and we are called to be like Him.
Look at what Paul says in chapter 1 verse 27, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.” We need to move past belief and move to belonging, seeking change and transformation so we can make a difference. This comes from us relying on what Christ did and what God has given us.
Chapter 2 verse 16 says, “Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.” When we start to feel our hearts change we will really have joy that comes from the Lord and we will shine in all circumstances. Then our lives will make a difference and we will help the kingdom of God. We all need to be humble and open our hearts so people can notice our lives and we must always know that the devil is going to try and make us stumble so we need to constantly equip ourselves for battle. Amen