Don’t get me wrong, accepting Christ is the greatest thing you'll ever do but it’s not supposed to be the easiest thing you'll do. In fact, the Bible directly tells us that we will have troubles in this world and Matthew 10:22 says, “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” That’s just one of the many things we have to be ready for in this journey with Christ. As you read this, I hope you can gain more of an understanding of what to look out for!
People Who Lead Astray
God created community and it can actually be a form of worship when we’re with people who love God as well. But when you’re in a bad crowd, just the environment alone can guide you away from God. This is why it’s so important to set a good example to everyone and not follow the bad example of others. It’s important to find red flags in who you hang out with. Are they constantly drinking? Smoking? Doing drugs? Do they lead you to do things you later regret? Do they push you to do things you shouldn’t? I’m not saying to not hangout with people who do these things, Jesus hung out with all sorts of sinful people but loved them nonetheless. I’m saying that you shouldn’t seek those people out and make sure that you’re being a leader instead of the led.
Temptation
This one is the biggest and hardest one to fight. Depending on what it is, whether it's being tempted by stealing, lying, lust, or really any sin for that matter, it’s a difficult thing to deal with. However, God always provides a way out. The first step is recognising the temptation. Recognize that what you’re thinking at the moment is against Jesus and immediately go to him. I heard this quote from a pastor one time that goes, “Every time we’re tempted, a worship service is about to break out.” So when you’re feeling tempted to take some money, you can either fight that by not stealing and worship God, or steal the money and listen to the devil. That’s a harsh way to say it, but that’s what is happening which is what put it into perspective for me. It’s a huge deal. Luckily, our God is a good God and forgives us no matter what we do and loves us like no other but that doesn’t give us an excuse. He set us free, but we need to stay strong with that mindset. So be powered by Jesus and let him fight with you!
Satan’s Lies
Like I said in the beginning, it’s not going to be an easy road to take but it will be the best one. And with that, not only are people around us going to hate us for loving the Lord, but satan hates it the most. He’s going to try to shoot us down in any way he can whether it’s through other people or even your own thoughts. He’ll tell you that you’re not good enough, that you can’t do anything right, and you’re worthless. He’ll even tell you that something is good but then after you do it, he’ll tell you that you messed up and “how could God ever forgive you or even love you?” When you hear these thoughts, it’s important to denounce the lies and replace them with truths. Let’s say that satan is telling you that you’re worthless. Denounce that. Verbalise it even and say it’s not true because God says you’re fearfully and wonderfully made. God has a plan for you and your worth is far greater than satan could even fight against. Even just something like that, you’ve already won.
When you see these things in your walk with Christ, remember that you’re walking WITH Christ and you can get through them. It’s important to see these things in your everyday life and fight with God on your side because if He is for you, who can be against you?
By: Tyler Dixon
