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Guidance for the Child of God


Living close to Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior is the earnest desire of many believers, a journey that involves a continuous transformation of heart, mind, and action. This pursuit is not merely a spiritual ideal but a practical daily walk, deeply rooted in the teachings and example of Christ Himself, illuminated profoundly by the Holy Scriptures.

For those seeking to draw near to Jesus in this dual capacity, Christian guidance consistently points to several key areas:

1. Acknowledging His Lordship and Accepting His Saving Grace

The foundational step is a sincere recognition of Jesus as both Lord and Savior. As Savior, He offers redemption from sin through His atoning death and resurrection. As Lord, He claims ultimate authority over every aspect of a believer's life. This dual acceptance is beautifully articulated in Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This verse highlights the inseparable nature of His roles – salvation comes through submitting to His authority.

2. Daily Communion Through Prayer and Scripture

A vibrant relationship with anyone requires consistent communication. For the believer, this means engaging in regular prayer and immersing oneself in God's Word. Prayer is our direct line to God, a conversation where we express our worship, confess our sins, offer thanks, and present our petitions. Jesus Himself modeled a life of prayer (Luke 5:16).

Equally vital is the diligent study of Scripture. The Bible is God's inspired revelation to humanity, providing guidance, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of Christ's character and will. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." To live close to Jesus is to allow His words to illuminate our way, shaping our thoughts and decisions.

3. Obedience as an Expression of Love

Jesus unequivocally linked love for Him with obedience to His commands. In John 14:15, He states, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." This obedience is not a burdensome legalism but a joyful response to His immense love and a pathway to deeper intimacy. It involves aligning our will with His, seeking to live in a manner that honors Him in all things, from our relationships to our ethics and our daily conduct. This submission to His Lordship demonstrates our trust in His perfect will for our lives.

4. Living by the Spirit and Bearing Fruit

The indwelling Holy Spirit is Christ's presence within believers, empowering them to live a life pleasing to God. Galatians 5:25 encourages us, "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." To live close to Jesus means yielding to the Spirit's leading, allowing Him to transform our character and produce the "fruit of the Spirit" – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This fruit is tangible evidence of Christ's work within us and a manifestation of our closeness to Him.

5. Fellowship with Other Believers

The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Gathering with other believers for worship, teaching, encouragement, and mutual accountability is crucial for spiritual growth and drawing closer to Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." In community, we spur one another on in our walk with Jesus, sharing burdens and celebrating victories.

6. Service and Sacrificial Love for Others

Jesus demonstrated ultimate love through His selfless service and sacrifice. To live close to Him means emulating His example by serving others and showing sacrificial love, particularly to "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40). Colossians 3:12 encourages believers to "put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." When we extend ourselves in love and service, we reflect Christ's character and draw nearer to His heart.

In essence, living close to Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior is a dynamic journey of faith, marked by an active pursuit of His presence through prayer and His Word, a humble submission to His authority, a reliance on the Holy Spirit's power, a commitment to Christian community, and a life dedicated to loving service. It is a continuous process of becoming more like Him, day by day, as we fix our eyes on "Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).
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