“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” - John 8:31-32
In today's society, churches have made it easy for people to be a fan of Christ, rather than a true follower. But discipleship is essential to a Christian's spiritual growth. A Christian cannot be a disciple without a desire to know the word of God. According to this verse, it is not enough to simply know the word, but to do what it says.
But it's easier said than done. I spend ninety-five percent of my time reacting to what people have said to me. I become a barometer, which reacts to the atmosphere around me, rather than a thermometer, which sets and changes the temperature of a given room. With my words, I create an atmosphere to reflect positivity or react to negativity, which only breeds more negativity in the end.
I allow the lies that Satan tells me to cloud my judgment. Instead of allowing the truth to guide my words, I instead allow lies to guide me, leading down a destructive path. Lies unchecked enslave me to my own thoughts, and my words follow suit.
But there is hope. Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life." Through Christ I can be set free! Through repentance and accountability, Jesus unlocks the door to my self-made jail cell. By his death and resurrection, he chose to walk into the cell, lock himself in, and throw away the key.
So I can experience lasting freedom.
In today's society, churches have made it easy for people to be a fan of Christ, rather than a true follower. But discipleship is essential to a Christian's spiritual growth. A Christian cannot be a disciple without a desire to know the word of God. According to this verse, it is not enough to simply know the word, but to do what it says.
But it's easier said than done. I spend ninety-five percent of my time reacting to what people have said to me. I become a barometer, which reacts to the atmosphere around me, rather than a thermometer, which sets and changes the temperature of a given room. With my words, I create an atmosphere to reflect positivity or react to negativity, which only breeds more negativity in the end.
I allow the lies that Satan tells me to cloud my judgment. Instead of allowing the truth to guide my words, I instead allow lies to guide me, leading down a destructive path. Lies unchecked enslave me to my own thoughts, and my words follow suit.
But there is hope. Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life." Through Christ I can be set free! Through repentance and accountability, Jesus unlocks the door to my self-made jail cell. By his death and resurrection, he chose to walk into the cell, lock himself in, and throw away the key.
So I can experience lasting freedom.
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