Another Year of Choices
By Barbara Dahlgren
Christians know they are saved by grace, not by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Salvation is a free gift from God. If we could earn salvation, we wouldn’t need God to give it to us. And if we could earn it, we would definitely take all the credit. We would boast about how great we are. There are no “work-oriented” requirements we must meet to assure forgiveness. There are no check-lists of dos and don’ts that will make God love us more.
Yet… we are admonished to integrate Christian principles into our lives. Why? So we can gain wisdom. (Matthew 7:24) So we can be happy. (John 13:17) So we can be constantly reminded of our identity in Christ so we don’t forget who we are. (James 1:22-23) So we can be blessed. (James 1:24)
Integrating Christian principles into our lives takes effort on our part. Paul said that mature Christians have “trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” by constant use of what they have learned. (Hebrews 5:14 NIV) Timothy was told to train himself in godliness. (1 Timothy 4:7) In other words, we need to train ourselves to consciously and consistently use what we’ve learned. Use it or lose it. God will not automatically give us good habits or self discipline. God will not force moral character upon us. We get these things by actively practicing the Christian principles we’ve been taught so we can be a reflection of Jesus Christ.
Paul said, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice.” (Philippians 4:9 NIV) Practice, practice, practice… They say practice makes perfect. I’m not sure perfection is the goal. However, the more we practice Christian principles, the easier it is to keep them integrated in our lives.
The great pianist Arthur Rubinstein once said, “If I neglect practicing one day, I notice; two days, my friends notice; three days, the public notices.” I think the parallel to being a Christian applies here.
Consider this: Why would God save us so we can remain in our old ways of life? Actually, that’s one of the things God is saving us from. God saves bad people (all of us are bad people in one way or another) so we can become good (better). Why? So we can lead happier, healthier, and more productive lives. That’s what God desires for us, but we must do our part to achieve it.
Life is our spiritual training ground. So actively practice, practice, practice! Practice integrating what God has taught you into your daily routine. You’ll be happier… and so will everyone around you.
Suggestions for practicing this choice…
Think about one of your weaknesses (we all have them) and practice being attuned to opportunities to improve in that area – one day at a time. Here are a few examples but you probably have ideas of your own.
- For one whole day…don’t be a blabbermouth. Don’t gossip or say anything that isn’t uplifting about anyone. Find ways to encourage others. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
- For one whole day…don’t think everyone is out to get you. Give people the benefit of the doubt and don’t impute motives. (Philippians 4:8)
- For one whole day…don’t get angry. Remember that he who angers you, controls you. If you do get angry, don’t let anyone know it. Let it be your little secret. If you do let others know you’re angry, keep your dignity and don’t make a horse’s patootie out of yourself. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
- For one whole day…don’t be a blowhard or try to force your opinions on others. Be quick to hear and slow to speak. (James 1:19-20)
- When you get disappointed in yourself, don’t let discouragement be an excuse to give up. Each day provides new opportunities to practice, practice, practice what you’ve learned. So when you fall (and remember that everyone falls from time to time), pick yourself up and start all over again!