Friend, how's your walk as a Christian? Do you know how to determine if you are growing positively in the Lord, or perhaps negatively away from Him?
The apostle Paul tells us that we should "examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified." (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)
We need to know and see if we are walking steadily in the Lord, or are perhaps already walking away from Him.
To help you examine yourself, here are some signs that you should watch out for.
1. Godly priorities
Romans 8:5 tells us, "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." What are your priorities?
We as Christ-followers must think about and prioritise things that matter to God Himself. Colossians 3:1-2 tells us, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
2. Godly lifestyle
Now that we have been forgiven of our sin and are cleansed by the blood of Christ, we have been given a new life, one that's freed from the law of sin and death. We should use this freedom, then, to live the life that God meant for us to live. "Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves." (1 Peter 2:16)
Galatians 5:13-15 gives a more detailed explanation: "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other."
3. Godly fruits
In addition to the personally-evaluated criteria of priorities and the subtle signs seen through our lifestyles, the most visible signs could be seen through the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the list of fruits to grow in our life.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
We should watch for these fruits in our lives. If they aren't showing, see if you have what Galatians 5:19-21 describes:
"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Evaluate yourself
Friend, evaluate yourself honestly. The Lord Jesus said "the truth shall set you free." It's only when you properly see how you are doing in your walk as a Christian that you can take steps towards godliness and Christ-likeness.
