What is a good plan of action, once we’ve made a decision to believe? I’ve been pondering this since my last blog. Here is what I’ve come up with. Rather than just busying yourself with activity, do some serious internal work that will have external results. I believe when you read carefully Jesus teaching in Matthew 5-7, you will come to see a valid decision to believe will involve a deep internal transformation that results in positive external behavioral changes directly linked to loving God and loving people. If you only have the internal (Frog on the log) or you only have the external (Pharisee) you are missing something. So, once you’ve made the decision to believe, you are now called to action.

I believe full surrender is the first action, Jesus said, if you are not willing to die to yourself and take up your cross daily you cannot be his disciple. That seems fairly clear. So, surrender your will and your self as fully as you can to Him.

Second, clean house. Yes, Jesus forgives us of all our sin but I’ve seldom met a Christian who felt clean. We carry a lot of baggage around with us from our shame and guilt over past actions. It is very beneficial to ask God to bring to mind specific sins you have committed, make a list and bring them before Him. It humbles you. Then practice James 5 and confess your faults one to another so that you may be healed. You may want to consider your resentments, fears and anything that is inside you bugging you.

Third, make things right with people you have hurt through the years. Don’t sweep stuff under the rug. Begin to humble yourself and sweep up your side of the street. As much as is possible on your part, live at peace with all people. Make things right.

Finally, Once you’ve gotten right with God, yourself and others, serve. View your life as an opportunity to bless and serve others on the journey.

Practice these four things and you will not be a frog on the log who made a decision to jump in the pond. You will have jumped and you and your world will become a better place because you are in it!

blessings,

Scott