The decision to become a Christian is the single most important decision a person can make. We begin our walk as babies do--by taking small steps. Peter emphasized the need for us to desire the milk of the word so that we may grow in knowledge (1 Peter 2:2). God's word is the nourishment that enables us to mature to the point where we can teach others (Hebrews 5:12-14).
Obeying the Gospel is only the beginning of a lifelong commitment to God. When survey takers question those who identify themselves as believers concerning how often they pray, attend services, etc., the results show that their lifestyles do not agree with their claim. In other words, they have a dead faith (James 2:14, 26).
It is beneficial for us to examine just what it means to be faithful to God. On what should Christians concentrate? How should we think, speak, and act?
Priorities
Jesus made it clear that the Christian's priority must be the kingdom. He said, "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) God will take care of our physical needs, as long as our priority is the work of the Kingdom. This requires us to faithfully attend the church services, whether it be Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday evening, or during a Gospel meeting. We must not allow worldly things to draw us away, and we must use our talents for the cause of Christ (Matthew 25:24-30).
My family's spiritual well being must also be a priority. I must nurture my relationship with my spouse so that I can help him/her go to heaven with me. If our spouses are already Christians, then we need to remember they are "Fellow heirs of the grace of life." (1 Peter 3:7) It is also important for us to make sure our children receive the spiritual training they need. God assigned that responsibility to fathers (Ephesians 6:4). This means we must teach them at home and also ensure that they complete their Bible class lessons. Furthermore, attending school and sporting events, and working part time must never be acceptable excuses for missing the assemblies.
Practical Applications
As we put God first in our lives, we will make sure that everything we do is pleasing to Him. Every aspect of our lives fits in with the goal of obtaining a crown of life when this life is over (2 Timothy 4:6-8). The world has always exerted, and will continue to exert, pressure on us to conform, but we must not give in to such pressure (Romans 12:1,2). The Christian's entire being, both body and soul, must reflect God's holiness and righteousness (1 Peter 1:15,16).
Our Thoughts. Controlling our actions begins with controlling our thoughts. The Proverb writer said, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23) The Apostle Paul wrote, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8) Everything we do was first conceived in our minds. The negative and harmful effects of much of what passes for entertainment on television, in theaters, and on our computers are seen in the rise of sins such as premarital and extramarital sex, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
Our Speech. What we say and how we say it are both within our control. Many passages condemn filthy speech, which would include, but not be limited to, profanity. Paul wrote, "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29) We should use our tongues to help others, not tear them down. How can we claim to be Christians if we talk like the world? James described the tongue as an unruly body member that cannot be tamed. It requires constant control on our part (James 3:8). We must let love guide what we say when we talk, and what we are willing to listen to when others talk. Sins of the tongue include deceit, malicious speech, gossip, slander, boasting, lying, and telling off-color stories (coarse jesting, NASB) (Romans 1:29,30; Ephesians 4:25; 5:4). We should be "Sound in speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame having nothing bad to say about us." (Titus 2:8)
Our Conduct. Those in the world try to entice Christians to join them in sinful activities, such as drinking, using illegal drugs, dancing, and many other sins. This is nothing new, and it will continue as long as time itself. Some of the people in the world are uncomfortable with the idea that others are able to resist what they cannot seem to escape, and this leads them to attempt to get us to partake in their misery. This may be especially true if the Christian previously engaged in such behavior. The Bible condemns drinking, no matter what amount is involved (1 Peter 4:3). Dancing, a form of lasciviousness, is listed among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). Drug abuse prevents Christians from maintaining self-control, which is one of the traits we must develop (2 Peter 1:6). Nothing good has ever come from the practice of these sins. Much of the misery in the world in any age can be directly linked to them. We must not be "conformed to the world." (Romans 12:2)
Our Dress. Adam and Eve lived in a paradise on earth--Eden. The Bible says that before sin entered in, they were both naked, but not ashamed (Genesis 2:25). After they sinned, they experienced shame for the first time and attempted to cover themselves with fig leaves (Genesis 3:7). The word that is translated "aprons" (KJV) or "loin coverings" (NASB) describes something roughly equivalent to today's swimsuit. God was not satisfied with their garments, so He made them "coats of skin" (KJV) (Genesis 3:21). Scholars say that such a garment covered a person from the shoulders to the knees and even below the knees at times. The garments the priests wore under their robes when they ascended and descended the steps covered their thighs (Exodus 28:42,43). We can conclude that God has revealed something regarding how we are to dress before others. Furthermore, nakedness symbolized shame (Revelation 3:17). Paul emphasized the need for those who claim to be godly to dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9,10). Peter made a connection between the way a woman dresses and the condition of her heart (1 Peter 3:3,4). Where is the shame today, even among the saints, and in the assembly? The one place where we should expect to find people modestly dressed is in the assembly. Men and boys should not have to look at women and girls who are wearing clothes with plunging necklines, or are made of see-through material, or do not cover them fully while they are sitting, as well as standing. Boys and men also need to dress modestly and be sure their clothes are not too tight or revealing. Where are the husbands and fathers who are supposed to be in charge of their families?
Conclusion
Many more areas could be examined, but it is my hope that I have started you thinking about what it takes to live in a way that glorifies God. Let's determine to let our lights shine so we can lead others out of darkness (Matthew 5:16). Heaven will be worth any sacrifice we have to make along the way.