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Only the Beginning of the Adventure

   When we come to know Jesus, it is not the end of our spiritual journey, but rather the beginning. Some people feel they have their "get out of jail free card" when they get saved and never think of it again except to occasionally show up to church. However, Jesus has not called us to live that way!

    We are supposed to work out our own salvation, meaning that we are supposed to draw near to Him and be transformed into His image, step by step. Our lives are not magically perfect when we accept Jesus. On the contrary, we have much adjusting to do. As we get to know Jesus, He changes our thinking to be aligned with His word. It seems too good to be true! But truly, we are transformed by our relationship with Jesus and not by our works. 

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (NIV)

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (NLT)

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

    So to live a fulfilled Christian life, we need to lay aside all the things of the world. We are told to eagerly desire the things of God so that our Spirit can grow. Being born again means starting as a spiritual baby! We have to nourish ourselves so that we can become strong in our faith. 

1 Peter 2:1-3 So rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for your salvation, since you have tasted that the Lord is good. (HCSB)

    Are you seeking to nourish your Spirit or your flesh? Whatever you choose to feed will become strong. Since some of us spend our whole lives feeding our flesh before we are born again, it can be a difficult transition into the things of God. Ask Jesus to help you feed your Spirit today with his "pure spiritual milk."

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