In my previous blog I wrote about what the Bible teaches is necessary to become a Christian. This blog will focus on the importance of living the faithful life after becoming a Christian.
A verse that always comes to mind when I am thinking about living a faithful life as a Christian is Revelation 2:10 which states: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Although within the context the passage is talking about those who might be put to death because of their obedience to Christ, this passage indicates the necessity of remaining faithful until death, even a natural one.
Satan continues to tempt even those who have obeyed and become Christians. Christians must strive to continue to overcome these temptations. This daily struggle can be seen through the apostle Paul’s example. In 1st Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” Paul’s example stresses the fact that all Christians are vulnerable to falling away from God. If Paul, an apostle of Christ, had to discipline himself so that he did not become disqualified, Christians must do so also. This passage also emphasizes the importance and seriousness of leading a focused Christian life.
Christians need to be like the good soil in the parable of the soils found in Luke 8:5-10. Jesus explains the parable in verses 11 through 15 of Luke 8:
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard. Then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.”
First Peter 5:8 states, “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Christians can be watchful by studying the Word of God, having a prayerful life, and surrounding themselves with the support of the church.