With the help of maps, GPS devices, and compasses, hikers, drivers, and adventurers alike get to know if they're on the right track. With the help of such devices and things, these people know if they're progressing towards their planned destination, or are perhaps going in circles. Do you know if you're on the right track?
The Finish Line
Many Christians start their Christian life thinking that "God's going to help me reach my dreams!" Seriously, He's not about our dreams. He's about His own purpose and plans, and He desires that we believers progress to becoming more like Christ with each day of our lives.
Romans 8:29 tell us that "God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters."
Our main goal as Christians isn't to be famous, or rich, or great, although we could be all that. Our first and primary goal is to be like Christ.
Knowing the finish line that we should all aim to hike to, run to, drive to, and walk to, we should be able to determine if we're on the right track. To help you, here are some things you should consider asking yourself.
1. 'How's My Character?'
The first proof of salvation is a changed life (see Ezekiel 36:26; Psalm 51:10; Romans 12:2). When we repent of our sin, we actually say "no" to it and start doing what is right before God. We start to live the life that we are supposed to live – a life for His pleasure. (see Titus 2:11-14)
If our character isn't gradually changed into the character of Christ, then there must be something wrong. We're being transformed from glory to glory, and this transformation happens from the inside to the outside: from the heart and mind, to word and deed. (see 2 Corinthians 3:18; Luke 6:43-45)
2. 'What Fills My Mind Most of, If Not All, the Time?'
Look back to the past few days of your life. What were you thinking about most of the time? Do you think of the truth, what is noble, what is pure, righteous, just (see Philippians 4:8; Galatians 5:22-23)? Or do you think lustful things and other wrong things like you used to before you met Christ? (see Romans 8:5-8; Galatians 5:19-21)
Does your mind dwell on unforgiveness and angry thoughts toward a person? Or do you dwell on God's grace, on how much He loves you and wants you to love others? Do you think of being a blessing to others, or being blessed? Do your mind reflect the mind of Christ? If yes, then good; if not, then you better be doing that.
3. 'What Satisfies Me?'
Paul says he has considered everything he had as rubbish so that he may gain Christ (see Philippians 3:8). Have we reached the point of making God our only delight? Or do we still long for earthly, temporal pleasures?
Nothing is wrong with wanting good food, or a nice pair of shoes, or a cozy home. But if these desires overtake our delight in God, that's going to be a problem. We must delight ourselves in the Lord. (see Psalm 37:4)
