Thursday, Mar. 18, 2010

Are you able to change your life for God?

Certain denominations, either Catholic and some Protestant denominations, set aside a 40-day time of reflection in our spiritual lives prior to the celebration of Easter, which is called Lent. During Lent, the change of mind and heart is what we concentrate on.

Each year certain Christians will take a good, long, hard look at their spiritual lives to grow more in grace and holiness before God. A Christian will discover how to change their own lives when it comes to their sins, temptations and character flaws that have developed.

Where should we start?

Let’s start with ourselves. Is there anything I can do in my own personal or spiritual life where I can love God more freely? Am I hampered by my own sins, temptations and character flaws where the love of God and love of neighbor is not so strong in my life? How can I increase more in the love God and diminish any selfishness that has become a part of my life?

Perhaps we can overhaul some things in our lives to the point where we need to change for the best. A minister or priest can assist in making a determination where we can grow more in grace and holiness.

And, how about your married lives? Are you loving toward your spouse and your children? Husbands, do you set the example of being a pillar of holiness for your marriage and family? Do you see to all the needs of your spouse and children when it comes to the creature comforts of this life, but also the spiritual needs as well? Wives, do you also see to the needs of your husband and children as well? Couples, do you see that your children become a “little church” when it comes to the worship of God on Sundays? Is religious instruction a priority within your families?

Children, are you loving toward your parents and obedient in all they ask of you? Family life is God given and he expects us to draw closer to him in our daily lives.

Now, let’s consider our work spaces. Are we loving toward our fellow workers daily? Are we patient with those who need correction? Do we try to bring out the very best with those under our charge? Do we cut people some slack when some fall short of their own duties? How merciful are we to those around us?

Setting some time aside and looking into our own lives allows us to focus on God’s goodness and love. There are times when we become too wrapped up in the ways of the world, or even the creature comforts, that we tend to forget the creator himself. Take the opportunity now and see for yourself how you relate to God. All of us can make room for change in our lives, especially for God.

Are you able to change your life for God?