The Test of Discipleship
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
When the heart has been renewed by the Spirit of God, life will bear witness to the fact. How it happens and when exactly it happens may be a mystery, but that fact that is has happened is not.
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
- John 3:8 NKJV
Let’s be clear here, we cannot do anything to change our hearts on our own. Whenever we try to bring ourselves into harmony with God by our own strength we are bound to fail. We can never trust ourselves or our good works to earn any merit with God. However, if we have the grace of God dwelling within us our lives will reveal this reality. Our habits, values, character, pursuits, etc. will change. I know many get discouraged by the occasional stumble in their spiritual walk, but we should focus on the tendency of the habitual words and acts. Occasional good or bad deeds do not carry as much weight.
This is a tricky topic because men and women who desire power and influence can live “good” lives. It’s all out of a selfish desire but they live what many consider to be a well-ordered life.
So how can you know? The best way I can think of it to pay careful attention to Who has your heart. Who do you think about often? Who do you love to talk about? Who has your warmest affections and your best energies? Do you long to have the love of Christ reflected in your life? Do you desire to please God from the bottom of your heart? Do you long to be full of the Holy Spirit?
Only you can answer these questions.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
- Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
- 1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
We love Him because He first loved us.
- 1 John 4:19 NKJV
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,”
- Hebrews 10:16 NKJV
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
1 John 5:3 NKJV
He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1 John 2:4 NKJV
