We have a choice to make. It should be an obvious choice, yet it’s difficult. This choice is about the kind of Christian we want to be and there are only two answers. We can choose to be a worldly Christian that is saved but has a self-centred faith and uses God for their own needs and wants. Or we can choose to be the Christian that knows they are saved to serve and made to be used by God for His glory. Choosing the latter allows us to experience a taste of Heaven here on earth.
KEY VERSE
“Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for mankind.” Psalms 67:2 LB
HOW TO THINK LIKE A GOD-CENTRED CHRISTIAN
SHIFT FROM SELF-CENTRED THOUGHTS
The Bible tells us to stop thinking like children but to think like adults (1 Corinthians 14:20). We must mature in our thinking and stop thinking of ourselves so much and think of God and others more as the Bible says we should (Philippians 2:4).
God gave us His Spirit to help us make this change and He is faithful to help us when we ask Him for help. It will not be easy, but we are not in this journey alone, God is always with us.
SHIFT TO GLOBAL THINKING
God cares for every single person that exists on this planet and in our selfish thoughts we may only think about the people we know and our country. God wants us to start thinking globally and consider His people all over the world as well as our neighbours.
We can do this by watching the news and keeping up to date with current events which can give us people and places to pray for. We can pray for the work of missionaries and churches and the rulers of the world. We can even step into action by going on mission trips and seeing the world with our own eyes.
God wants us to be witnesses for Him everywhere (Acts 1:8) and with the rise of social media this has never been easier, we don’t even need to leave the comfort of home. We have no excuse to not spread the gospel message.
SHIFT TO ETERNAL THINKING
An eternal perspective helps us make the most of our time. Recognising our limited time on earth pushes us to fulfil our purposes and knowing what awaits us in Heaven gives us the hope and motivation we need to share the truth with others.
We are commanded to have an eternal perspective because it keeps our thoughts selfless, focused on God and others rather than temporary things (2 Corinthians 4:8). Keeping our eyes on things above helps us let go of the things that hold us back from fulfilling our purposes and helps us step out in faith. An eternal perspective helps us prioritise and reminds us of who we live for.
SHIFT THOUGHTS FROM PROCRASTINATION AND EXCUSE-MAKING
How often do we delay out of fear or simply because we can’t be bothered or don’t want to do something? God calls us to a higher standard, He calls us to be set apart, an example to the rest of the world in thought and action. We can’t let anything hold us back, not fear or ignorance or even someone we love if it is out of obedience to God.
Not everyone will understand what we do, sometimes not even ourselves but that is why it is called faith. We step out in obedience trusting in God without knowing the outcome or even the next step. Our procrastination is disobedience, delayed action is disobedience.
Our thoughts and feelings cannot hold us back from obedience we must step out in faith despite our doubts and fears. God does not call the qualified, but He equips those who answer in faith with everything they need at the right time. God blesses the faithful and rewards the obedient. What is unknown to us is known to Him, we must start trusting God with our entire soul.
It’s not easy living as God wants us to but it is worthwhile despite the suffering we will face simply for trusting and believing in God. It’s worth it because we know what awaits us, eternity with our Creator who loves us so much and has been so patient and generous with us when we didn’t deserve it. He loves us so much He let His Son die so that we can spend eternity with Him.
Our obedience and love in return for what He has given us is nothing, but we give it because it’s all He wants. It’s a priceless gift and that’s why we share the good news of salvation, we know how invaluable it is, and we don’t want anyone to miss out. Who could you speak to today about God’s love and the hope of salvation?
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Wholeheartedly Faithul 
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