Only Christ Can Change Your Life
Life Begins When You Turn To God
There is a deep longing in our hearts that only God can satisfy. Success, wealth, material positions, and worldly pleasures will never fill the emptiness of a Christless heart. While these things do promote happiness and a sense of well-being they do not lead to salvation and eternal life. They cannot give you peace, joy, and fulfillment. In Mark’s gospel, Jesus challenged our thinking by asking us to consider the great loss we would suffer if after achieving all our earthly pursuits we failed to make provision for life after death.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark 8:36-37)
In Luke 12:16-21 Jesus speaks of a man who became increasingly rich by continually expanding his farming business. Over time he became so successful he was able to relax and begin to live the dream that everyone desires. Unfortunately, before he was able to truly enjoy his success he unexpectedly died having taken little or no thought for what happens after death. The man was obviously focused on preparing for the future and assuring that he and his family would be well provided for, which is admirable. However, this fellow failed to properly value spiritual matters which led to rejecting God and forfeiting eternal life.
In the same way, many of us are guilty of neglecting to value God. Nevertheless, we are committed to working hard, planning our future, and enjoying the pleasures of life. As the years pass we hope to achieve many of our goals and enter into a comfortable retirement. Our friends and family may hold us in high esteem as good people, parents, and providers. However, during this process, many are guilty of putting God on the back burner. For some, it is a case of not knowing what to believe or in whom to believe. Others argue, that there are so many voices, religions, and philosophical views claiming to know the path to God, no one knows who’s right. Still, others make excuses like it’s all so overwhelming and I really don’t have time. My life is so busy. I must stay focused or face falling behind. God and the Bible must wait until another day.
Today’s social vibes are such that it has become kind of trendy for people to excuse themselves from God’s presence with little regard for the perilous consequences awaiting those who reject Christ. It is highly deceptive to reason we are right with God when in fact we are unrepented sinners. The cares of this life demand our immediate attention as God’s call to repent and turn to Him goes unanswered. As the years pass, a sense of false assurance often solidifies in our thinking. We grow increasingly confident with our choices and somehow rationalize that God understands being excluded. After all, we are not murdering, raping robbing, or living a morally depraved life.
Do not be deceived, my friends. Christ came to earth and took upon himself the punishment for the sins of every one of us. He called upon all to believe in Him, confess their sin, repent, and turn to Him for a new life. Nothing less is acceptable. Nothing less will grant eternal life. Your life cannot and will not change until you are willing to turn to God in true repentance.
There is absolutely no guarantee that you will wake up tomorrow on this earth. Tonight could be your last night here. Without Christ, you will die in your sins and be cast into a place called hell.
Isn’t it time to get right with God?
How to Turn to God
Perhaps at this very moment, you have realized that you need the Lord in your life. Maybe you drifted away or need to be born again? If so, you can stop right now and begin talking to God. Ask Him to forgive you for being a sinner and the life you have been living outside of His love. Surrender your life to Him, unconditionally. Call Him Lord and make Him Lord of every thought, attitude, and action. You can say, Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins, come into my heart, and take full control of my life. I am your child from this day forward. Change my heart and mind to be Christ-like in every way. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior forever.
