Until your righteousness is fulfilled, God is not committed

Before 2015 began, I had set my mind to do things differently in my life especially my Christian life. I have come to the conclusion that ever since I took my Christian life seriously, things have worked out for me.  There has never been a better yesterday, last year or last month for me. Every new day is better than the previous. I tell you with all honesty that I ended 2014 far better than my 2013 and the things I achieved in 2013 can no way be compared to 2014. I give God all the glory.

In 2014, one thing was very constant from the pulpit. I paraphrase, you cannot make it in life with a casual approach, and a casual approach yields small returns. From the bible you will realise that, all those who made it big were diligent in whatever they did and those that failed also proved clearly that they took things for granted. We desire a good life but most of us are not willing to pay the price.

Back in school, I witnessed  my mates spend many hours arguing and talking about the success of others and wishing they were like them, I have been a part of such discussions before and we never considered  the work those individuals invested into their careers.  Don’t just be a dreamer, work towards your dreams. The youth today, want to get rich quickly but are not ready to work themselves there.

I decided in my heart not to be like my colleagues in 2015, I felt, If I wanted more in life and especially from God, I had to change my approach. In the last quarter of 2014, I took it upon myself to start building my relationship with God. It has so far been an exciting journey. In my study of the word, I have come to know that, man can truly enjoy success and fulfillment in life by engaging in a holistic relationship with God. This relationship begins with:

First; one has to be born-again. This is the point of surrendering your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Acknowledging you are a sinner who needs forgiveness and deserves a better life in Christ Jesus. Most people are yet to get to this level of their life. Some are okay with how things are or just feel “there is nothing I can do about my situation.” We often hear people say, “Thank God for this blessing”, even if they got it through the wrong means. A girl or boy can fornicate to buy a new phone and share on social media, thank God for this new phone. According to got-questions.org, the word translated "grace" in the New Testament comes from the Greek word charis, which means “favor, blessing, or kindness.” We can all extend grace to others; but when the word grace is used in connection with God, it takes on a more powerful meaning. Grace is God choosing to bless us rather than curse us as our sin deserves. It is His benevolence to the undeserving. Let us not take the Grace of God for granted. Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves." Grace is our access to a relationship with God in Jesus Christ. Grace makes the ‘unqualified’ to be qualified.

After Salvation, the next thing is to keep your new identity and relationship with God safe. This can be achieved with the help of Holy Spirit when we strive to live a righteous life.  John 4:24 says, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Without holiness you are not able to serve and worship God. Proverbs 15:8 says, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.” Whatever you do as a sinner unto God is considered an abomination. Instead of chasing after worldly desires, seek first the Kingdom of God, do the will of the Father and He who knows your needs will grant you all your heart desires. Matthew 6:33 says,” But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” You need to strive to hard to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, Philippians 2:12. In doing so you will cause God to step into your situation and do the impossible for you.

Let’s take the story of Joseph for instance, the prisoner who become a Prime Minister overnight. Joseph purposed in his heart never to do any wickedness, and sin against God. He was thrown into prison for refusing to commit fornication. Can you do what Joseph did? Upon the sweet promises from Potiphar's wife. This was what Joseph said according to Genesis 39: 9 “There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife:” how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?  Though he was sent to prison, God lifted him up. That can be your story if only you will set yourself aside to do the right things and being diligent in your area of work or study. Things don’t just happen, things happen for those who work for it (Philippians 2:12).

Let us not appropriate righteousness. 1 John 3:7 says, "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous."  This is the only guarantee for God’s blessing in your life. All through the bible, I kept seeing statements like:

“For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous,” Ps 5:12,

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Matthew 13:43,

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” Psalm 92: 12,

“Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.” Isaiah 3: 10

“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: “Deuteronomy 28: 1

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is writ-ten therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1: 8

Do not expect to receive anything good from God if you are not prepared to obey and do His will. James 1: 17 says "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." If you deserve good and lasting blessing from God and not from man, I believe you know what to do.  Let go of the old life and desire a fresh start for yourself in Jesus. God is only committed to His covenant when your part is played, but it’s not enough to play your part. You must be upright before Him.

I have been happy and filled in my walk with Jesus because everything about my life is working. May you also find fulfillment in life through Jesus!

Jesus is Lord,

JB Klutse