Taking responsibility

On Sunday I spoke about being a person of influence. We can affect people for the good when we are aware of how to use our gifts and abilities for the good. The scriptures are constantly encouraging us to encourage others to do what is right and good. I believe that is vital and as we approach difficult times it will be even more important to encourage one another. Now after saying that I also want to turn the coin to the other side and make one simple point. I must take responsibility for my own spiritual growth and not be dependent on others. Jude 20-21 "But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." Now I am not saying encouragement from others is not important but I am saying that unless I take my own faith seriously and personally do certain things there is no amount of encouragement that will help you. These two things ought to be working together and not separately. I need to build myself up everyday. If I need someone to tell me what to do before I do the right thing when I get up in the morning it is no wonder that I will struggle on that day. The scripture says in Revelation 12:11 that I will overcome the enemy (devil) when I make a confession of faith in Jesus Christ and confess that the blood of Christ cleanses me from all my sins. This is something I must do to have victory. I must keep myself in God's love. There is only one person who can do that for yourself and it is you. This means I am going to focus on God as the center of my life and I am not going to allow the world to dictate my actions. In order to take responsibility for our own actions that lead to spiritual maturity I must affirm my faith in Jesus Christ on a consistent basis. I must read the Bible everyday and allow His words to make a difference in my life. I must pray and seek God for my life, for the things I need to give up and for the things I ought to do in order to please Him. I encourage you to take responsibility for your own spiritual development and along the way also allow others to encourage you in the faith.
May the God of all love and peace be with you.

Pastor John