Five Steps To A Fuller Christian Life

Uplook – September 2011 – Grace & Truth Magazine

FIVE STEPS
To A Fuller Christian Life

My Christian life had been a series of ups and downs. Then I met two Christians who demonstrated a spiritual peace, strength and joy that I was lacking. Talking with them changed my life.

They had yielded completely to God, to work out His will in their lives day by day. They told me that I too could be a vessel suitable for the Master’s use if I did the same (2 Tim. 2:21). If I had trusted Christ for my salvation, shouldn’t I also trust Him for victory over every sin and deliverance from every care? They told me Jesus was willing to abide in every heart yielded to Him. They urged me to take this giant step forward in my spiritual life, and I’m thankful they did.

Initially I really struggled. There were things in my heart and life that were questionable, if not worse, and I was not willing to give them up. But finally I came to the point of confessing, “Lord, I am willing to be made willing. Make the most that can be made of me for Your glory.”

I kept telling myself, “Now I am His,” until I began to enjoy the peace and joy I was looking for. He was molding my will and making it easier to do what I had previously thought impossible. He was restoring my soul and leading me into the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Ps. 23:3). This experience taught me five steps to a fuller Christian life that I’d like to share with you.

1. Surrender yourself to God. This should be a deliberate act of submission. A woman, troubled by things she wanted to keep under her control, was asked to sign her name at the bottom of a blank sheet, and then tell God that He could fill it in as He pleased. She did so, and gained peace as she turned the control of her life over to God. If you are having a hard time, ask God to help you do this. You never will be happy until you let the Lord reign in your life.

2. Count on Christ to do His part. open the door and He will enter (Rev. 3:20) and bring peace and joy into your life. When the clay yields to the Potter’s hand (Isa. 64:8) and the student follows the Teacher (Ps. 25:4-5) there will be success. Give yourself fully to the molding influences of Christ and you will rise to new levels of usefulness.

3. Confess sins instantly. If you allow acid to remain on your skin, it will cause severe burns. If you allow unconfessed sin to remain in your heart it will eat out all peace and joy. do not put off confession. As soon as you sin, cry out, “Lord Jesus, You saw what I just did. Thank You for already bearing the guilt of my sin on the cross and suffering for it so that I will not be condemned. Help me right now to cleanse my thoughts and ways so that I do not fall into this sin again.” The Lord wants to cleanse us “with the washing of water by the Word” (Eph. 5:26). But we must apply this resource daily.

4. Take temptations to Christ. When you feel temptation approaching, as a rabbit is aware of the hawk hovering near, run instantly to Christ for protection. He will not fail you. He is both the rock of your salvation and your safe hiding place (Prov. 30:26). Whenever sin, fear or worry threatens you, run to Jesus crying,” Lord, help me!” and He will.

5. Keep in touch with Christ. Avoid the spirit of fault-finding, criticism, uncharitableness, and anything inconsistent with His perfect love. Go where His children are gathered and you will find Him there (Mt. 18:20). Begin the day by listening to Him in Bible reading and talking with Him in prayer. Talk to Him throughout the day. At the end of your day, tell Him everything that has happened, seeking His help for the next day.

When you have failure in your life, discover the cause and confess it. Look to the Lord to restore the peace and joy you have only in Him. You are His sheep; He is your Shepherd. Let Him carry you back, feed you, lead you and comfort you (Lk. 15:4-7; Jn. 10:1-4; Ps. 23). You will be used by the Lord if you are a clean vessel. When you are right with God, the Holy Spirit works through you. our Good Shepherd provides green pastures and unfailing springs to those who yield to Him, trust Him and seek to live according to His Word.

By F. B. Meyer

This article is available from the publisher in tract form.