God is transforming every follower of Christ into a new person. We are called to participate in the divine nature. Paul calls us “members of God’s household” in Ephesians 2:19. We are the children of God by faith (John 1:12), but now we need to grow to be the true children of God in Christ. We need to grow in faith. Paul describes spiritual growth in 2 Corinthians 3:18 as being transformed into the Lord’s image with increasing glory from the Spirit. He transforms our thoughts, words and deeds to reflect the glory of Christ.

 

Faith asks more of us than to just believe that there is a God. The evil one also believes in God’s existence and he shudders with fear, as James 2:19 teaches us. There are many people today who believe in Jesus’ existence, but then do not live with him as Lord of their lives. Faith demands more than this! Peter says our faith is a gift from God. However, it needs to be enriched by goodness. What does he mean by that? He calls on us to let our faith become visible by our deeds. We need to live a life of faith. It asks more of us than just attending a church meeting on Sunday, more than just praying before we eat or go to bed. A life of faith becomes a lifelong journey of obedience to Christ. Jesus commanded in John 15:9-12: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: love each other as I have loved you.”

 

Do you desire a joy-filled life? Then look for ways to be of service to God and your fellow man. Follow the example of Christ, who did not come to be served, but to serve. If you are still missing it, get involved in your local church. Look for events where you may contribute your time, energy and talents to help other people. Be the person who prays faithfully for others in need, helping in practical ways wherever you can. It does not have to be big contributions; remember that the Lord builds his kingdom with mustard seeds. In his hand, every love-filled deed grows into something majestic, worthy of his praise (Matthew 13:31-32).

 

The Lord has made you a new person by faith. He created you to be a unique being and he has gifted you with a unique set of spiritual gifts to use in his service, spreading goodness wherever you go. Dare to ask God today how you can be an instrument of his goodness, spreading his love to those who cross your path today. When you do this, you will experience the joy of the Lord in your life today!

 

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have never given up on me. Thank you for transforming my life in the image of Christ. Thank you for the spiritual gifts that you have endowed me with, to spread your goodness in my daily life. Please show me where I can have influence in someone’s life today, as a testimony of your goodness. Fill me with your joy, Lord Jesus. Amen.