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2 Thessalonians 1:3

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one other is increasing.

For too many people, being a Christian is like buying life insurance—it amounts to a one-time decision that gets cashed in when they die. Now, granted, you might think about your life insurance every once in a while. You might even increase it when another child arrives. “Life Insurance Christians” do the same. They periodically think about the decision they made and re-up their “convictions” during certain periods of their life. But, having life insurance is not life-changing. And neither is being a “Life Insurance Christian.”

A true Christian is a follower of Jesus. Trusting in Him alone for salvation opens the door to a new life, a life of transformation. Like the Christians in Thessalonica, our faith should be a growing expression of trust and dependence in Christ. And our love for one another is constantly demonstrated as we serve each other. The Christian life is not a one-and-done event. It is a lifelong process of spiritual transformation.

So, take some time to think about and honestly answer these five important questions.

1. Is my past decision to trust in Jesus making a difference in my life today?
2. Do I consider being a Christian an event (e.g. confirmation, baptism, church membership) or daily interaction with Jesus?
3. Am I following Jesus more closely this month than last? This year than last?
4. Can I honestly say that my “faith is growing more and more?”
5. Can I honestly say that my love for others is being demonstrated?

Being real with God and ourselves is the first step in a life of spiritual transformation.

Father, I ask that You examine my heart. Please give me the insight to answer these questions truthfully. Then give me the courage to move from where I am to where You want me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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