What’s your next step?

Cheerleaders and fans love to sing at high school football games. One favorite song illustrates the importance of the next step in transformation:

“Action, action, we want action. A. C. T. I. O. N. We want action!”

We can all think, feel, and strategize, but actions are required to win games, including the game of life. Ultimately, the process of real transformation can also be ruined by bad decisions that lead to actions that bring only pain or death. The Bible warns us about this: “It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” (2 Corinthians 11:15, NIV) 

However, there is a blessing for people who take steps in the right direction: “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened.” (Jonah 3:10, NIV) friend, can you imagine the entire city of Nineveh heeding Jonah’s warning? The people believed his words and changed their actions. They avoided complete judgment and destruction from God. 

Actions have consequences, good or bad. Failure to take appropriate action is also a decision that has consequences. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7, NIV) Yikes! God will judge our actions one day. That is a sobering concept. 

When I first accepted Jesus Christ into my life, I had no guilt. I had no remorse for the sins of my past, but the closer I drew to Jesus, the worse I felt. My conscience seemed to be awakened by the Holy Spirit who filled me. 

friend, have you ever felt guilty for your actions? Yes? Great, that’s a good sign. It means God is working on you because one day, we will all face the judgment seat of Christ. God loves you so much that the Spirit is working overtime in you. 

Together, with humble hearts, let’s ask God to cleanse us, heal us, and forgive us for all of our sins and mistakes. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit for strength to take healthy steps for God. You are a miracle, and I love you a ton.