Simultaneously, from then onward, we begin our lives in sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6). It is the consistent pursuit of Christ-likeness in every avenue of life we find ourselves in. If we only thought of Him as Savior and not Lord, we might think we have no further responsibility than acknowledging He saved us. But it would not make sense to surrender solely to Him as Lord if we did not also know Him as our Savior whose death and subsequent resurrection constituted our redemption. When we take hold of both these realities, we realize we need Him and must surrender to Him as well (Romans 12:1).

Once we trust that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross paid for all of our sins once and for all, we are motivated to take action. Such a transformation compels us to ask for the forgiveness only Jesus Christ can offer after He provided the propitiation for our sins. In other words, Christ is the only One who completely satisfied God’s wrath through His unfathomable sacrifice on our behalf.

The next step is confessing our sins to God, repenting before God, and receiving forgiveness for all our trespasses (Romans 10:9). If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). In our minds, we understand that God has forgiven us for things that are incomprehensibly offensive to Him. At this point, we decide to avoid practicing iniquity as much as possible and live a praiseworthy lifestyle in His sight. Instead of following the patterns of this world and conforming to society’s whims, we base our foundation for behavior on God’s Word (Romans 12:2). This transformation of turning away from our sins leads us to continue along a path of obedience that empowers us to rely on God to obey His commands (John 15:5).

While we have committed to have a relationship with and follow Jesus Christ in all our ways, it does not mean we are invulnerable to stumbling into sin ever again. But, of course, it is a red flag when such a sin constitutes a habitual sin (Romans 6:23). In such cases, we must urgently seek help from God, prayer, and accountability from a trustworthy believer to win the battle against it. However, when it comes to isolated moments of indiscretion, it is a reality we all cope with as imperfect as we are on this side of Heaven. But we must continue asking God for forgiveness and repent again for such compromises. It is, however, critical for us to avoid opening the door for sin when we know God’s grace is there when we have fallen (Romans 6:1-2).

As believers, critical aspects of our walk with Jesus Christ include core components of Christian discipline such as prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, obeying God’s commands, following the Holy Spirit’s lead, and maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. All of these are fundamental for us to mature in the faith and cultivate our relationship with Jesus Christ. Life does not become a walk in the park for believers upon getting saved, but it does mean that we have the King of the Universe with us amid all circumstances. He will not leave or forsake His children, and nothing can separate us from His love (Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:37-39). The assurance of our salvation and His sovereignty are tremendous blessings that help us persevere when facing extreme turmoil or extraordinary challenges.

In seasons of doubt, we must remain faithful that God will come through for us. I find it helpful to remember the countless times God has answered my prayers or opened unexpected doors in my favor. When we recall His perfect track record in our lives, it often reminds us that God will provide for us in the present and the future, just as He did in the past.

A disposition of gratitude for what we have and what is going right in our lives goes a long way in helping us conquer the problems that arise. It also prompts us to communicate to God that we are indeed thankful to Him for his numerous blessings and not solely focused on what is not going according to our plans.

Finally, when things are not all going ideally in our sight, it leads us to seek God more fervently. If not for some issues, we might buy into the illusion that everything we have accomplished was due to our achievement. Rather than recognizing it was all God working in, with, and through us, we might stumble into thinking too highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3). We need to align ourselves with God, avoid thinking of ourselves loftier than we ought, and esteem others more highly than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).

While many of these assertions are simple to say and difficult to execute, these ideas bless us with renewed humility. They also remind us of God’s absolute control and our dire need to rely on Him for everything. Our walk as believers needs to incorporate them if we are to remain steadfast in God’s will, alongside obedience to His commands. If we proactively pursue Jesus Christ and surrender to Him in every avenue possible, everything will fall into its appropriate place (Matthew 6:33).

Repentance, in consideration of sinful behavior, signifies a turning away from such endeavors. It involves eliminating the evil in our lives and pursuing righteousness and holiness in God’s sight instead. We must consider this remains a moving target for us as Christians throughout our lives. It is not a destination that is arrived on this side of eternity. There is always room for us to improve. No matter what you and I may have already brought to fruition through Jesus Christ, we should recognize this continuous pursuit of holiness.

Outside of Jesus Christ, we could do nothing of eternal significance. Therefore, it helps us to remain as humble as possible. Otherwise, it could lead us to self-righteousness, pride, or complacency when we fail to remember the Source of our achievements. Keeping these realities aligned in our understanding helps us to stay on track. Instead of relying too much on our strength and human knowledge to navigate life, we surrender more and more of our lives willingly to God. It is safe to trust that the more we acknowledge His sovereignty over each area, the better off we will position ourselves in His eternal will for us (Romans 8:28).

It is crucial for us never to forget how important the role of repentance is in the life of all Christians. How can we expect God’s blessings, including His presence in our lives, if we do not focus intently on what His Word shares about repentance? 

“12 Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (NKJV)

If we want to enjoy God’s promises, we must also do our part to fulfill their conditions. How can we expect God to heal our land altogether, and for that matter, all the nations impacted by the pandemic if we do not repent? With a warning as straightforward as this found in God’s Word, like a blueprint for us to borrow for modern-day application, it should provoke a desire in us to obey the Bible’s instructions. Of course, we cannot expect non-believers to abide by these principles, but the Church should take heed. It brings me comfort that God did not destroy Soddom and Gomorrah immediately in their depravity because of a few righteous people. It was not until after extensive warnings, mercy, and grace that this ultimately came to happen. God even provided a way of escape for Lot and others before He destroyed the city along with everyone else. I can only imagine a similar situation today is keeping us alive here in the United States (Genesis 18:16-33).

Thus, if we want to see healing across our lands, we must follow these instructions in 2 Chronicles with a great deal of care. I believe God would potentially delight in ordaining another “Great Awakening”. Although individually, it may appear as though our prayers or influence may be small, we cannot afford to underestimate their power in the times we live. We cannot account for everyone’s lives, but we should take our stand as the Church. Therefore, let us come together in prayer, pursue holiness, and fight to repent of all our sins as the Holy Spirit leads us to. Let’s make our mark in this fleeting world by counting it all as loss and making our lives count for God’s glory by seeking Jesus Christ above all else (Philippians 3:8).

Thankfully, whether it is in God’s providence to lead us to a renaissance of repentance or things keep getting progressively worse from here, we do not need to fear. Either way, since we fear God and rest in His sovereignty, it is without question that despite facing an uncertain future in the near term, we await a sure reward in our Lord’s presence for eternity. Therefore, it follows for us to pursue everything that has eternal value rather than merely temporal value here on earth.

Often it may seem as though the allure of the world’s amenities are more meaningful than they are. Yet, the truth is that the appetites of the flesh are insatiable, and the world will never satisfy that missing puzzle piece in our hearts that only Jesus Christ can fill. Without Him, we are left to our own devices, pursuing fleeting idols and living purposeless lives. Yet, with Jesus Christ, we are more than conquerors, and we are building towards a future in Heaven that none of us can fully fathom. Therefore, let us repent and seek forgiveness from God. We need to ask Him to reveal our shortcomings to repeat this process daily. We may be in the process of sanctification, but we will remain imperfect during our time here on earth.

Suffice it to say you and I still have a mission left to do here. If you are reading this sentence, God still has a purpose for you here on earth. While that purpose for all of us is to bring Him glory, He wants you to grab hold of the calling that He sets before you. You may or may not have figured that out by now, but it is not too late if you are not sure or if you have delayed answering His call. Consider this your call to action. I encourage you to seek God in prayer, read His Word and do some introspection to determine what He would have you do. The most unexpected avenues can become favorable opportunities for planting seeds that will one day provide plentiful harvests for you.

If you still remain uncertain, consider what some people have recognized as a potential area of strength in your life. For example, it could be a gift, talent, resource, opportunity, or a career that opens the door for you to honor, glorify, and acknowledge God. Often it comes more naturally to you than to the average person, and you find a great deal of fulfillment in it. You may have to look beyond your day job to see it, but God will help you find it if you look diligently. It may even be something you already do that can be slightly modified to be effective for God’s Kingdom.

I recommend finding ways to win souls for Jesus Christ (Proverbs 11:30) and helping those who cannot help themselves (Matthew 25:30-40). Look to love God and love your neighbor. If we fight for these two things, everything meaningful in this life stems from them. That is why they are the two greatest commandments.

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”

37 Jesus said to him,” ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 22:36-40 (NKJV)

Store up for yourself Heavenly treasures where they last forever, rather than the allure of worldly pleasures and desires. All those will quickly fade while accomplishing the former will never cease to bless countless people forever (1 John 2:17). Every encounter to evangelize could be the difference in someone’s eternal destination. Keep your eyes on God and abide in Him as you answer the call He puts in your heart. You will not go wrong eternally when you genuinely take this approach.

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV)