Are You a Lost Christian?

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control, and perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is near-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 1:5-11

What are you pursuing in your life? What are the things that you are diligent about? What is your top priority in life? Is your big thing money, a business or a spouse? Or are you desperate for a child such that it is the only things you ponder upon? The truth is the most important priority for any believer is the Lord. What you focus on will determine whether you are a lost Christian or a victorious Christian with a great sense of direction. When we put God first in our lives, everything else falls into place. Sadly, many a believer relegates God to the background. We make life changing decisions without talking to God. We buy houses and make huge investments without prayer. It is no surprise that after all is said and done, all our efforts have the obvious markings of a DIY (do-it-yourself) job.

We must stay within the boundaries of the covering of God by spending adequate time in His presence and putting all our moves at His altar. Taking time to build up our spiritual resolve helps a great deal both when things are going well and when tough times arise. When we are on a mountain, our relationship with God humbles us and reminds us that if not for the Lord, we will not be where we are. It allows us to show kindness and love to others as we thank God for His grace and mercy on us. If things get difficult, God gives us the strength through His Word to persevere and hold on. We know because of His presence in us in the form of the Holy Spirit that help is on the way.

But when we fail to spend time with God and increase in various aspects of our spiritual walk, we put ourselves in a position where we become more or less spiritually blind. In no time, simple temptations that ought not to trip us, mess us up and make us fall publicly. Growing in Christ and fruits of the Spirit requires discipline. Are you lost as a Christian or well on your way to making your calling and election sure?