The Mandate
Christians are encouraged not to focus on challenges but focus on God. We can resemble Jesus Christ and take after his approach to situations of life. Christ fixed his eyes on God to have a successful redemptive work. The scripture stated,
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Lesson:
Christians have the mandate to run their spiritual race with seriousness in order to finish well. We cannot afford to allow petty situations and circumstances to blow us away from our prestigious pilgrimage. We must be dead to the flesh and be alive in the Spirit. We must serve God with sincerity; genuinely confess our sins, and exercise true repentance. A heavenly bound Christian must refute temptations, and stand up for righteousness. A genuine born again Christian must daily serve God and proclaim the gospel in whatever capacity that he/ she has. Also, Christians must be filled with the Holy Spirit, be prayerful, and worship God in the beauty of his holiness. God's rewards await us in heaven if we duly serve him, and make him proud. Those who remain committed to their Creator will enjoy peace and prosperity in heaven.
Prayer:
“Jerusalem on high; My song and city is; My home whene'er I die; The center of my bliss. O happy place! When shall I be, My GOD, with Thee, To see Thy Face?”
Dear God, I want to go to heaven; I do not want anything to keep me away from your kingdom. Please teach me how to be your true child and serve you with complete trust. Give me the grace to be steadfast in my relationship with you. Do not let me cave into trials and temptations. Help me to serve you in the beauty of your holiness, and let my services remain acceptable in your sight. Please prosper me in this life, and the next one to come. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
