Sain Publications
Preparations to run in the Boston marathon requires dedication far beyond what most of us can imagine. Years of instruction is necessary to become a Doctor which translates into putting your “heart and soul” to reach that goal. Actually, most everything that is worthwhile requires a 100% mentality. This certainly includes faithfully walking each day as a Christian, as well as growing in knowledge.
It Takes Your “Heart” And “Soul”
To Become A Christian. One must be willing to deny self (Luke 9:23) if we want to follow Christ. We must be willing to change our life – no longer living to self and serving sin – but beginning a “new life” of righteousness (John 3:3-5; 2 Cor. 5:17). It will require your “heart and soul” to accomplish it!
To Faithfully Walk Each Day As A Christian. Christianity is a 24/7/365 lifestyle. Following Christ is NOT like putting on a “coat” of righteousness to worship on Sunday and remove that “coat” when we arrive home. Since no man can serve two masters (Matt. 6:24), we must leave behind our life of following, serving, pleasing Satan and resolve 100% of following, serving and pleasing our Lord Jesus Christ. It will require your “heart and soul” to accomplish it!
To Grow, Mature, Increase In Talents. To be faithful in the sight of our Father, GROWTH is absolutely essential. We begin as a “babe” (1 Peter 2:2), but we are strive for and attain “full age” (Heb. 5:12-14). The Hebrews writer encourages us to “go on to perfection”(Heb. 6:1) and Peter says we are to “grow in the knowledge of our Lord” (2 Peter 3:18). Growth requires time, energy, great dedication. It does not happen accidentally. It will require your “heart and soul” to accomplish it!
To Reach The Heavenly Home. Satan does not want you to be saved in heaven. He will use every lie, device, wile, and individual to deter, discourage, distract and ultimately destroy you. Our Lord assures us that we can be victorious (1 Cor. 15:57; Rom. 8:28; Matt. 28:20). But it truly, will require your “heart and soul” to accomplish it!
A Final Thought. Our Lord said (Rev. 3) that one who is lukewarm (neither hot nor cold) is repulsive to Him and He will spew them out of His mouth. In fact, our Lord inferred that it would be better to be COLD than to be lukewarm (v. 15). The physician Luke said we are to “love the Lord thy God with all thy HEART, and with all thy SOUL, and with all thy STRENGTH, and with all thy MIND…” (Luke 10:27).
