Ep.1366: How Will I Choose to Live the Life That’s Ahead of Me?
Reviewing the important steps to turn decisions into habits
CHAPTERS
Theme Scripture: James 1:22
We have all heard the saying, “Life is what you make it!” It is usually at the approach of a new year or a birthday or some landmark life event when we turn our focus inward. We think about changes we would like to make. Normally, these changes are aimed at finding a greater measure of happiness, health or fulfillment in our daily lives. So, what should we decide needs changing? Even more importantly, how will we decide to implement those changes? On the surface this may sound easy, but for the vast majority of us, it is not. Life tends to get in the way, along with old habits and second thoughts. Then there is our old friend, our comfort zone! Why would we want to leave that, as it is so, well...comfortable? What can we learn from the Scriptures to help us actually implement God-honoring life changes?
WHY?
The first big question to ask about making life changes is why. Why do I think I want to take this or that part of my life and alter it to fit some other mold or objective? What do I see as the real benefit? Answering this question honestly will give us insight as to what level of value the proposed changes truly hold for our future. Think about it. As a professed Christian, our whole lives are supposed to be about serving God, about doing His will. If the changes I seek are primarily focused on me and not Christlikeness, then what am I really pursuing?
Is it what I look like or what I really am?
There’s a big difference between trying to make myself look better compared to others and trying to live up to my calling in Christ. Obviously, one way brings me into the center of everyone’s thinking and perception. Do I want to be more acceptable, more respected or more admired in relation to those around me? Or do I want others to more fully notice Christ in me? While this may seem like an odd way to look at making significant life changes, it certainly is a credible approach. Even if the life changes we seek are focused on our physical wellbeing or rethinking old habits, our motivation should always gravitate toward letting Christ shine through us.
Ok, so we may need to do some rethinking when it comes to our motivation. As we work on this reexamination, we also need to consider our comfort zones of old habits. Wait a minute - does changing for the sake of Christ mean that all of my comfort zones are now obsolete? Check out our December 30, 2024 podcast, “How Will I Choose to Live the Life That is Ahead of Me?” for answers. We look at the dynamics of making life changes as well as how to leave old comfort zones and find new ones. All of this brings us to being positioned to make truly valuable God-honoring life changes. Walk this path with us; it is well worth the effort!
The 1st time I listen to your broadcast I really enjoyed it and learned a lot I do need prayer though and have questions I came off the streets gave my life back to god he has healed my Body I’m struggling though with stop smoking I gave up drugs drinking cursing And living for Christ and share my testimony with many but I am struggling with giving up cigarettes and he And living for Christ and share my testimony with many but I am struggling with giving up cigarettes any suggestions
Hi, Cindy! We are so glad you listened and took the time to write with a glimpse of your story. How wonderful you are taking these steps to move forward in a positive and godly way! We recommend listening to Episode #1200: “Could an Addiction Block My Christian Growth?” for more support. Many people have had success giving up cigarettes using nicotine patches, lozenges and gum, etc. Also check https://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/nicotine-withdrawal-tips. We pray for your continued strength to heal! – Christian Questions
I sometime, need more help from the Lord. I do a lot of praying and hope Jesus is listening. I talk to Jesus every morning, I have a big picture of him, the secret heart of Jesus. I went through a bad divorce twenty years ago, my son is not speaking to me, haven’t seen my grandchildren, I tried but he will not bother with me. I have prayed so much he would connect with me. I will never give up on my Lord. I Trust in him. I go to church every week, my church is everything to me.
Hi, Mary, we can appreciate your leaning on Jesus as you navigate the challenges of life. Discipleship is a difficult road, but we know our sufferings perfect our characters, so we are grateful for whatever God’s providence sees fit for us to go through. We also recommend listening to Episode #1386: “I Am a Christian, So Who Am I?” Defining what true Christianity requires of every disciple of Jesus Be sure to click on the CQ Rewind Show Notes while you listen to follow along with every scripture quoted and much of the commentary. May the Lord bless your efforts to be faithful, Christian Questions