Being Pulled in Opposite Directions

Daily writing prompt

What is your favorite form of physical exercise?

Life is a battle. It frequently pulls us in opposite directions. We live in an inner tug of war between right and wrong. Conscience pulls one way; temptation another. People need to beware! (Luke 12:1) It’s easy to think you are a disciple of Christ when you aren’t really one. That’s called hypocrisy. My favorite exercise is fighting within to be a true Christian disciple!

Here’s the key to discipleship: Paul said that he put distractions behind him and pressed toward the Christ’s high calling. To be spiritually mature you need that attitude. If you don’t have that attitude, let God reveal to you where you are off track. And whatever you do don’t go backwards. Don’t pretend to be farther along than you really are! (Philippians 3:13-16)

Here are some more practical biblical teachings about how to be a true disciple of Christ. Steps toward discipleship:

Look unto Jesus. (Hebrews 12:2)
Come to Jesus, yoke yourself to Him, and be taught by Him. (Matthew 11:28-29)
Draw near to God. (James 4:8)
Make being inwardly ruled by God your first priority. (Matthew 6:33)
Be inwardly led and directed by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:14)
Live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)
Consistently follow and obey the risen Jesus. (Philippians 3:10)
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
“By this we know that He (God) remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us.” (1 John 3:24)
Fix your eyes on what is unseen because what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Always treasure heavenly things. (Matthew 6:19:21)
Stir up the gift of God that is within you. (2 Timothy 1:6)
Set your mind and your desires on spiritual things. (Romans 8:5-7)
Hunger and thirst after righteousness. (Matthew 5:6)
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)
Be of the same mind as Christ. (Philippians 2:5)
Forgive everyone. (Matthew 18:22)
Bless those who curse you. (Luke 6:28)
Love your enemies. (Matthew 5:43-44)

Here are steps to resist being drawn away from discipleship:

Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
Guard your heart. (Proverbs 4:23)
Watch and pray. (Matthew 26:41)
Stand firm in your faith. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
Fight the good fight of faith. (1 Timothy 6:12)
Struggle against the invisible forces of evil. (Ephesians 6:12)
Bring your every thought captive to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Refuse to give in to temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Confess your sins. (1 John 1:9)
Repent and turn away from sin every time you fall. (Mark 1:15)
Deny your self-focused desires. (Luke 9:23)
Embrace the crucifixion of your personal hopes and dreams. (Galatians 2:20)
Don’t set your mind on ungodly desires. (Romans 8:5-6)
Do not be conformed to this world. (Romans 12:2)
Flee lusts and sinful desires. (2 Timothy 2:22)

James put it this way: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Go do it with fervent desire and deep sincerity!

About Steve Simms

I like to look and think outside the box. In college I encountered Jesus Christ and I have been passionate about trying to get to know Him better ever since. My wife and I long to see the power and passion of the first Christ-followers come to life in our time. I have written a book about our experiences in non-traditional church, called, "Beyond Church: An Invitation To Experience The Lost Word Of The Bible--Ekklesia." If you need encouragement, search for: Elephants Encouraging The Room and/or check out my Amazon author page. Thank you!

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