If this describes you, then it's time to get your Christian life "back to the basics."
Here are 10 simple steps you can take to help get your life back on the right path...
Tip #1: Re-establish your relationship with God and Christ
It's very possible to be a "religious person" but not have a real"relationship" with your Heavenly Father.
Such was the case with the Pharisees of Jesus' day, and I'm convinced is also the case with many modern Christians (John 5:42).
They may go to church, attend Bible studies, and be very religious—andstill may not have truly developed a relationship with God and Christ. Obviously, there isn't a more important relationship you can develop than this one! Everything in your Christian life hinges on this, including your very eternal future (Romans 8:15; Jeremiah 30:21-22).
The Bible says: "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."(James 4:8)
God desires to be near you, but the relationship must be mutual. It's also important to know that you must put God first to have a proper relationship with Him. Jesus said:
It's very possible to be a "religious person" but not have a real"relationship" with your Heavenly Father.
Such was the case with the Pharisees of Jesus' day, and I'm convinced is also the case with many modern Christians (John 5:42).
They may go to church, attend Bible studies, and be very religious—andstill may not have truly developed a relationship with God and Christ. Obviously, there isn't a more important relationship you can develop than this one! Everything in your Christian life hinges on this, including your very eternal future (Romans 8:15; Jeremiah 30:21-22).
The Bible says: "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."(James 4:8)
God desires to be near you, but the relationship must be mutual. It's also important to know that you must put God first to have a proper relationship with Him. Jesus said:
The most important [commandment] is this: `Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and withall your mind and with all your strength.'
(Mark 12:29-30)
(Mark 12:29-30)
So, step #1 is to draw near to God. Re-commit yourself to God and Christ. Fully—with "all your heart, soul, mind, and body." 100%.Anything less is not enough.
Truly be willing to do WHATEVER He asks of you in the Bible. If it says it, do it. Let no one or nothing keep you from it (Matthew 7:21; 28-18-20).
If you do this, you're going to make it.
Truly be willing to do WHATEVER He asks of you in the Bible. If it says it, do it. Let no one or nothing keep you from it (Matthew 7:21; 28-18-20).
If you do this, you're going to make it.
Tip #2: Commit to everyday Bible reading and/or listening
We communicate to God in prayer, but God communicates to usthrough His word, the Bible.
And all of it is important. Jesus said:
We communicate to God in prayer, but God communicates to usthrough His word, the Bible.
And all of it is important. Jesus said:
Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
(Matthew 4:4)
(Matthew 4:4)
Did you catch the phrase "every word?"
Failure to understand this will result in spiritual disaster (as you'll hopefully soon see).
Trying to live your spiritual life without daily ingesting of God's word is like trying to live your physical life without eating enough food. What happens? You gradually become weaker and weaker until death occurs.
Spiritual weakness is almost always accompanied by a lack of reliance on the Bible. Remember, if your faith is weakening, increased faith comes through the word of Christ in the Bible (Romans 10:17).
If you sincerely ask God for stronger faith, He will give it to you (Matthew 7:7).
Personally, I recommend that you find an accurate, readable translation, and then determine to read the Bible each day (Acts 17:11). Or, if you prefer listening to the Bible, purchase some Bible CDs in a good easy-to-listen-to translation (older translations are difficult to understand, and many old English words have changed in meaning).
If you commit yourself to this as a life-long habit, your faith will grow, as will your perspective on life.
Failure to understand this will result in spiritual disaster (as you'll hopefully soon see).
Trying to live your spiritual life without daily ingesting of God's word is like trying to live your physical life without eating enough food. What happens? You gradually become weaker and weaker until death occurs.
Spiritual weakness is almost always accompanied by a lack of reliance on the Bible. Remember, if your faith is weakening, increased faith comes through the word of Christ in the Bible (Romans 10:17).
If you sincerely ask God for stronger faith, He will give it to you (Matthew 7:7).
Personally, I recommend that you find an accurate, readable translation, and then determine to read the Bible each day (Acts 17:11). Or, if you prefer listening to the Bible, purchase some Bible CDs in a good easy-to-listen-to translation (older translations are difficult to understand, and many old English words have changed in meaning).
If you commit yourself to this as a life-long habit, your faith will grow, as will your perspective on life.
Tip #3: Commit to everyday prayer
Bible reading is how God speaks to us. Prayer is how we speak to God.
The Bible commands Christians to "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Daniel, one of the greatest men of the Old Testament, prayed to God three times a day (Daniel 6:10).
And when you pray, don't be repetitive, like the Pharisees of Jesus' day were (Matthew 6:5-15). Be sincere in your requests. Pray from the heart.
Find a peaceful place to pray and have a meaningful prayer to God.
And one more thing—make sure your heart and life is pure of any habitual sin, because God doesn't listen to sinners, no matter how often they pray (Isaiah 59:1-2).
Bible reading is how God speaks to us. Prayer is how we speak to God.
The Bible commands Christians to "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Daniel, one of the greatest men of the Old Testament, prayed to God three times a day (Daniel 6:10).
And when you pray, don't be repetitive, like the Pharisees of Jesus' day were (Matthew 6:5-15). Be sincere in your requests. Pray from the heart.
Find a peaceful place to pray and have a meaningful prayer to God.
And one more thing—make sure your heart and life is pure of any habitual sin, because God doesn't listen to sinners, no matter how often they pray (Isaiah 59:1-2).
Tip #4: Be spiritually minded!
This is another crucial step—one that's often ignored by many Christian people today. But the results of ignoring it are spiritually fatal.
The Bible is clear: We must be spiritually minded. But what does it mean to be "spiritually minded?"
Being spiritually minded doesn't mean merely staying busy doing church-related things. Nor does it mean simply having interesting, unspiritually related Bible discussions (for example, examining history as it relates to Bible prophecy).
True "spiritual mindedness" obviously means having a mind that is focused on spiritual things. The Bible states:
This is another crucial step—one that's often ignored by many Christian people today. But the results of ignoring it are spiritually fatal.
The Bible is clear: We must be spiritually minded. But what does it mean to be "spiritually minded?"
Being spiritually minded doesn't mean merely staying busy doing church-related things. Nor does it mean simply having interesting, unspiritually related Bible discussions (for example, examining history as it relates to Bible prophecy).
True "spiritual mindedness" obviously means having a mind that is focused on spiritual things. The Bible states:
Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh—but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit islife and peace.
(Romans 8:5-6)
Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things from above—where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
(Col 3:1,2)
(Romans 8:5-6)
Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things from above—where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
(Col 3:1,2)
Of course, we talk about what we think about. If you have a spiritual mind, that's what you're going to be talking about to your family, fellow Christians, and friends. Jesus said [speaking at first to the Pharisees]:
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
(Matthew 12:34-35)
(Matthew 12:34-35)
The Bible also indicates (Proverbs 1:2) that we will be "blessed" if our"delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law [we] meditate day and night."
It's always been puzzling to me to attend a worship assembly, and then discover—time after time—that no one seemed interested in discussing what was taught—or had anything else from the Bible they wanted to discuss. Or, attending church dinners and not a spiritual comment is ever made. Or, calling Christians together for entertainment and having everyone turn out, but calling them for a Bible study and hardly anyone shows up. These are disturbing signs of a congregation that is unspiritually-minded. In other words, a church that may have truth but not the spirit.
Spiritually minded people love to share things about the spirit. It's part of their nature. I believe it is impossible for true Christians to not speak of things of the spirit frequently, especially when they are around others of like mind.
So, meditate about God's words, plant them in your heart, and speak about them. They will be your salvation (James 1:21; Romans 2:15; 2 Corinthians 3:2).
It's always been puzzling to me to attend a worship assembly, and then discover—time after time—that no one seemed interested in discussing what was taught—or had anything else from the Bible they wanted to discuss. Or, attending church dinners and not a spiritual comment is ever made. Or, calling Christians together for entertainment and having everyone turn out, but calling them for a Bible study and hardly anyone shows up. These are disturbing signs of a congregation that is unspiritually-minded. In other words, a church that may have truth but not the spirit.
Spiritually minded people love to share things about the spirit. It's part of their nature. I believe it is impossible for true Christians to not speak of things of the spirit frequently, especially when they are around others of like mind.
So, meditate about God's words, plant them in your heart, and speak about them. They will be your salvation (James 1:21; Romans 2:15; 2 Corinthians 3:2).
Tip #5: Make sure your worship experiences aremeaningful
When we attend worship, it's important to have our minds focused,and that we are "into the worship"—in spite of occasional distractions of children or those around us. It's also important that our families are maintaining an atmosphere where others can worship without distraction, especially if we have young, untrained children. (By the way, churches described in the Bible did not have "day care centers"—instead, they trained their children to be obedient—see Ephesians 6:1-2, among many other possible verses.)
The Bible is clear...true worship MUST be in spirit (i.e., being in the right spirit or attitude)—not just in truth (i.e., according to the teachings of God). Jesus said:
When we attend worship, it's important to have our minds focused,and that we are "into the worship"—in spite of occasional distractions of children or those around us. It's also important that our families are maintaining an atmosphere where others can worship without distraction, especially if we have young, untrained children. (By the way, churches described in the Bible did not have "day care centers"—instead, they trained their children to be obedient—see Ephesians 6:1-2, among many other possible verses.)
The Bible is clear...true worship MUST be in spirit (i.e., being in the right spirit or attitude)—not just in truth (i.e., according to the teachings of God). Jesus said:
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
I believe many churches today are worshiping perhaps in spirit, but not in truth.
And, more commonly among Bible-believing churches: many may be worshiping in truth, but not in spirit (which technically IS NOT in truth). In other words, they may feel they are "Bible believing," but they are not "Bible practicing."
Many modern members do not appear to have their minds and thoughts and speech focused on things that are from above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Such Christians need to re-evaluate their commitment to Christ.
So, worship in the right spirit. The Bible says:
And, more commonly among Bible-believing churches: many may be worshiping in truth, but not in spirit (which technically IS NOT in truth). In other words, they may feel they are "Bible believing," but they are not "Bible practicing."
Many modern members do not appear to have their minds and thoughts and speech focused on things that are from above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Such Christians need to re-evaluate their commitment to Christ.
So, worship in the right spirit. The Bible says:
So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. (1 Corinthians 14:15)
One final note about worship. Some have developed the tradition of entering the place of assembly, sitting down, and evidently "meditating" or reading the Bible—not realizing God has specifically commanded us to greet and spiritually encourage one another.
This is a classic example of how another tradition has supplanted the actual, plainly spoken will of God.
Obviously, the worship part of the assembly begins at the appointed time. Prior to, and after that time, we should be busy "encouraging and building one another up" in our spiritual families.
This is a classic example of how another tradition has supplanted the actual, plainly spoken will of God.
Obviously, the worship part of the assembly begins at the appointed time. Prior to, and after that time, we should be busy "encouraging and building one another up" in our spiritual families.
Tip #6: Be a person of love
Many modern Christian people have developed cold, judgmental, and even harsh attitudes about the world around them. They don't appear to have much love and compassion for others (John 5:24).
While it's true that we should not be naive, and that sometimes "tough love" is necessary (Jude 23)—at the end of the day, we must never forget that we must be people of love (1 Corinthians 13).
So, let's resolve to be compassionate, patient, and helpful toward those around us. Not only will we be living as Christ directed, our examples to the world will be more like it should be.
Love certainly doesn't replace the other commandments of God, but it's the greatest of all Christian characteristics.
Therefore it's impossible to lack proper love and still be a true Christian (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Many modern Christian people have developed cold, judgmental, and even harsh attitudes about the world around them. They don't appear to have much love and compassion for others (John 5:24).
While it's true that we should not be naive, and that sometimes "tough love" is necessary (Jude 23)—at the end of the day, we must never forget that we must be people of love (1 Corinthians 13).
So, let's resolve to be compassionate, patient, and helpful toward those around us. Not only will we be living as Christ directed, our examples to the world will be more like it should be.
Love certainly doesn't replace the other commandments of God, but it's the greatest of all Christian characteristics.
Therefore it's impossible to lack proper love and still be a true Christian (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Tip #7: Don't compromise with error
As incredible as it sounds, believers can sometimes find themselves defending the need to defend truth. While most matters of life are "compromisable" and we should certainly seek to live at peace with everyone, truth can never be compromised. Truth is a foundational principle of God's will—it will indeed "set you free." And just as Christ adhered strictly to truth, so must His people. Doing so, sadly, will put us at odds with others.
Many people apparently confuse love with tolerance (1 Corinthians 5).
And tolerance these days implies "acceptance." So, they learn to accept the corrupt lives of those around them in society, simply because it's politically or religiously correct to do so.
These same casual attitudes often also reflect themselves in their view of false Christian religions. They learn to develop tolerant attitudes toward those God has strictly warned us about. Due to these attitudes, they may eventually even find themselves part of and in support of those religions.
However, the Bible has repeatedly warned us about the danger of false prophets and teachers, who are numerous in our world today. For example: 1 John 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1-2; Matthew 7:15-16; 24:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:1-4; Acts 20:29-30; Matthew 15:14; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 6:20-21; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Philippians 3:2-3—and many others.
As you can see, time after time the Bible warns Christians to be on serious guard against CHRISTIAN false prophets. Yet so few today seem to be aware of them—and usually because they ignored tip #2 above. The Bible says:
As incredible as it sounds, believers can sometimes find themselves defending the need to defend truth. While most matters of life are "compromisable" and we should certainly seek to live at peace with everyone, truth can never be compromised. Truth is a foundational principle of God's will—it will indeed "set you free." And just as Christ adhered strictly to truth, so must His people. Doing so, sadly, will put us at odds with others.
Many people apparently confuse love with tolerance (1 Corinthians 5).
And tolerance these days implies "acceptance." So, they learn to accept the corrupt lives of those around them in society, simply because it's politically or religiously correct to do so.
These same casual attitudes often also reflect themselves in their view of false Christian religions. They learn to develop tolerant attitudes toward those God has strictly warned us about. Due to these attitudes, they may eventually even find themselves part of and in support of those religions.
However, the Bible has repeatedly warned us about the danger of false prophets and teachers, who are numerous in our world today. For example: 1 John 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1-2; Matthew 7:15-16; 24:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:1-4; Acts 20:29-30; Matthew 15:14; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 6:20-21; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Philippians 3:2-3—and many others.
As you can see, time after time the Bible warns Christians to be on serious guard against CHRISTIAN false prophets. Yet so few today seem to be aware of them—and usually because they ignored tip #2 above. The Bible says:
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
(1 John 4:1)
(1 John 4:1)
If a Christian takes these warnings lightly, and begins to compromise with anti-Biblical practices and teachings, it will be impossible for that person to have a proper relationship with Christ.
Some Christians become discouraged because their conservative churches are cold, inactive, and unspiritual. Consequently, they seek out liberal Christian religions that clearly are unBiblical in both teaching and practice.
If your congregation worships in truth, but lacks the spirit, find out how you can have both. It makes no sense to worship God in spirit without the truth either. Remember (see above), both are REQUIRED to do God's will (John 4:24).
Don't make the mistake of throwing out the baby with the bathwater.
And one more VERY IMPORTANT matter. To find truth, you must obviously be open-minded. But please don't be so "open-minded" that your brain falls out.
Some Christians become discouraged because their conservative churches are cold, inactive, and unspiritual. Consequently, they seek out liberal Christian religions that clearly are unBiblical in both teaching and practice.
If your congregation worships in truth, but lacks the spirit, find out how you can have both. It makes no sense to worship God in spirit without the truth either. Remember (see above), both are REQUIRED to do God's will (John 4:24).
Don't make the mistake of throwing out the baby with the bathwater.
And one more VERY IMPORTANT matter. To find truth, you must obviously be open-minded. But please don't be so "open-minded" that your brain falls out.
Tip #8: Don't let church traditions discourage you from your quest for truth
Many modern churches worship according to the Bible—except they've developed traditions that sometimes become more important than what's best for Christ and His church.
Over the years, I've discovered several common church teachings and practices that are really based on "men's traditions" rather than on God's word. Traditional Christians will often pressure others to follow their traditions (Colossians 2:16), even when those traditions have become burdens that hamper the cause of Christ—or even directlydisobey Biblical teachings (which they often do—Matthew 15:1-9). Jesus said:
Many modern churches worship according to the Bible—except they've developed traditions that sometimes become more important than what's best for Christ and His church.
Over the years, I've discovered several common church teachings and practices that are really based on "men's traditions" rather than on God's word. Traditional Christians will often pressure others to follow their traditions (Colossians 2:16), even when those traditions have become burdens that hamper the cause of Christ—or even directlydisobey Biblical teachings (which they often do—Matthew 15:1-9). Jesus said:
They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." (Matthew 15:9)
Regardless of others' pressure on you, continue to remember that if it's not in the Bible, it's not in the Bible. The Bible is our guide, not men or women.
Conversely, if it IS in the Bible, do it! Everything there was put there because it belonged there.
Don't be like many modern liberal Christian religions that have decided to ignore plain Biblical teachings in order to attract larger audiences. Determine to obey all of it, because that's the will of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).
Being in the minority because you're doing the right thing is nothing new. The Bible is full of examples of people who had to do that to please God—and they were greatly rewarded for doing so.
Conversely, if it IS in the Bible, do it! Everything there was put there because it belonged there.
Don't be like many modern liberal Christian religions that have decided to ignore plain Biblical teachings in order to attract larger audiences. Determine to obey all of it, because that's the will of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).
Being in the minority because you're doing the right thing is nothing new. The Bible is full of examples of people who had to do that to please God—and they were greatly rewarded for doing so.
Tip #9: Find a work of Christ you can "throw yourself into"
God is Spirit, but He put you in a physical world. One reason is that He wants you to serve Him in this physical world, with your physical body.
So, evaluate your talents and find a cause you can pour yourself into. Remember, God does not want Christians to be complacent, but zealous for Christ's cause—above all other causes (Romans 12:11).
Therefore, find a cause of the church that matches your talents, and then busy yourself with it. And thereby you will start laying up treasure in heaven.
God is Spirit, but He put you in a physical world. One reason is that He wants you to serve Him in this physical world, with your physical body.
So, evaluate your talents and find a cause you can pour yourself into. Remember, God does not want Christians to be complacent, but zealous for Christ's cause—above all other causes (Romans 12:11).
Therefore, find a cause of the church that matches your talents, and then busy yourself with it. And thereby you will start laying up treasure in heaven.
Tip #10: Stay in close touch with other spiritually minded true Christians
Isolation is the last phase of spiritual death. Just as the lion seeks to devour those on the fringes of the herd—the weak and young—so satan desires those who are on the fringes of the church and have become weak and isolated. The Bible states:
Isolation is the last phase of spiritual death. Just as the lion seeks to devour those on the fringes of the herd—the weak and young—so satan desires those who are on the fringes of the church and have become weak and isolated. The Bible states:
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
So, get in touch and stay in touch with other spiritually minded Christians, and seek to continually grow in Christ. Early Christians met very frequently. The Bible states:
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
(Acts 4:26)
Your very soul, and those of your family, may depend on your dedication to this and the other points of this article. (Acts 4:26)
Apply yourself to them, and watch your Christian life begin to blossom again.
