Living as a True Christian: A Deeper Call to Total Surrender

What does it mean to live as a true Christian? 📖 This post dives deep into God’s Word to explore how we should act as followers of Christ. From avoiding filthy language and fleeing lust to walking the narrow path and picking up our cross daily, we unpack key Scriptures (NIV) addressing swearing, pornography, temptation, and more. Are we living in total surrender, or settling for lukewarm faith? Can a "blanket prayer" cover willful sin? If our actions don’t reflect Christ, are we truly His? Join the discussion on pursuing holiness, resisting temptation, and embracing the daily call to deny ourselves for Jesus. #ChristianLiving #FaithInAction #GodsTruth #TotalSurrender

BIBLICAL TRUTHSGOD'S TRUTH

silhouette of cross on top of hill under white clouds and blue sky during daytime
silhouette of cross on top of hill under white clouds and blue sky during daytime
Living as a True Christian: A Deeper Call to Total Surrender

As Christians, we're not just called to believe in Jesus but to live out His teachings in every aspect of our lives. The Bible is our ultimate guide, filled with God's unchanging truth that transforms us from the inside out. It's not about legalism or earning salvation—Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Yet, this grace empowers us to live holy lives. Let’s expand on each aspect of Christian conduct, diving deeper into Scripture for more of God's truth and thoughtful discussion (using NIV translation).

Should Christians Swear or Use Filthy Language?

No, we should not. Our words are powerful tools that can either honor God or grieve His Spirit. Beyond Ephesians 4:29 ("Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up...") and Colossians 3:8 ("Rid yourselves of... filthy language from your lips"), consider James 3:5-6, which compares the tongue to a small spark that can set a forest on fire: "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire." Swearing or crude talk isn't just harmless— it pollutes our witness and reveals an unrenewed heart. As Christians, we're ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), so our speech should reflect His purity. Discussion: In a world where profanity is normalized in media and conversations, how do we stand out? By choosing words that encourage and point to truth, we demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). If we slip, confess it (1 John 1:9) and ask the Holy Spirit for self-control.

Should We Watch Porn or Indulge in Lust?

Absolutely not—this is a direct assault on our purity and relationship with God. Matthew 5:28 warns, "Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart," and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 emphasizes fleeing sexual immorality because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Digging deeper, Job 31:1 shows proactive resistance: "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman." Pornography isn't victimless; it objectifies people made in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and can lead to addiction, broken relationships, and spiritual bondage. Proverbs 6:25-29 likens lust to playing with fire: "Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?" Discussion: In today's digital age, temptation is everywhere, but God promises escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). True freedom comes from renewing our minds with Scripture (Psalm 119:9-11: "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word"). Accountability, prayer, and focusing on God's design for sexuality within marriage (Hebrews 13:4) are key. If struggling, seek help—God's grace restores.

Should We Control Our Bodies and Act Differently from Non-Christians?

Yes, absolutely. Our bodies are not our own; we've been redeemed. Romans 12:1-2 calls us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices and not conform to the world. Expanding on this, 1 Peter 2:9 declares us "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." We're set apart for God's purposes. Galatians 5:19-21 lists acts of the flesh like sexual immorality, impurity, and idolatry, contrasting them with the fruit of the Spirit. If we indulge in these without repentance, we're not walking in the light (1 John 1:6-7). Discussion: Acting like non-believers blurs the line between light and darkness. Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-16 that we're salt and light—preserving truth and illuminating the world. But if salt loses its saltiness, it's worthless. Examine your life: Does it draw others to Christ or push them away? Transformation comes through the Holy Spirit, not self-effort (Ezekiel 36:26-27: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you").

How Should Christians Act?

We should act as imitators of Christ, marked by love, humility, and obedience. Matthew 22:37-39 commands loving God and neighbor, and Ephesians 5:1-2 urges walking in love as Christ did. Deeper truth: Philippians 2:3-8 calls us to humility, considering others better than ourselves, just as Jesus humbled Himself to the cross. Micah 6:8 summarizes: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Discussion: In practice, this means serving others (Mark 10:45: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve"), forgiving enemies (Matthew 6:14-15), and pursuing justice. It's not about performance but overflowing from a relationship with God. If our actions don't align, James 1:22 warns against deceiving ourselves by merely hearing the Word without doing it.

What Does Jesus Mean by "The Road Is Long and the Path Is Narrow"?

Matthew 7:13-14 describes the narrow gate leading to life, found by few, versus the broad road to destruction. This isn't about works but exclusive faith in Christ (John 14:6: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"). The "long" road implies endurance—Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages running with perseverance, fixing eyes on Jesus. Discussion: The narrow path involves trials, like denying self (Luke 9:23) and facing persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet, it's rewarding: Psalm 16:11 promises "eternal pleasures at your right hand." Many choose the broad path of compromise, but true disciples count the cost (Luke 14:25-33). Ask: Am I on the narrow path, or blending in?

What Does "Lukewarm" Mean in Revelation?

Revelation 3:15-16 rebukes lukewarmness, preferring hot or cold. Hot faith is zealous (Romans 12:11: "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord"); cold is outright rejection. Lukewarm is self-satisfied, like Laodicea relying on wealth (verse 17). Discussion: Today, this looks like attending church without heart change or prioritizing comfort over mission. Jesus knocks at the door (verse 20), inviting intimacy. Zechariah 1:3 calls, "Return to me... and I will return to you." Overcome lukewarmness through repentance and renewed passion (Revelation 2:4-5).

Should We Fight Temptation or Give In?

Fight it—giving in leads to death (James 1:14-15: "Temptation... gives birth to sin; and sin... gives birth to death"). James 4:7 and 1 Corinthians 10:13 provide strategy: submit to God, resist the devil. Ephesians 6:10-18 equips with armor like the belt of truth and sword of the Spirit. Discussion: Temptation is common (Hebrews 4:15: Jesus was tempted yet sinless), but victory is possible through Him. Build habits: prayer (Matthew 26:41), Scripture memorization (Psalm 119:11), and fleeing (2 Timothy 2:22). When we fall, God's mercy lifts us (Proverbs 24:16: "Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again").

Jesus’ Words: "Go and Sin No More"

In John 8:11, Jesus offers grace without condemnation but commands change. This echoes His mission (Luke 5:32: "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance"). Discussion: Forgiveness isn't cheap grace (Romans 6:1-2: "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!"). It's transformative—2 Corinthians 5:17: "The old has gone, the new is here!" Live in freedom, empowered by the Spirit (Romans 8:2).

Can a "Blanket Prayer" Cover Future Sins? Are We "Credit Card Christians"?

No—salvation is secure for true believers (John 10:28-29), but willful sin without repentance questions authenticity (Hebrews 10:26; 1 John 3:6-9: "No one who lives in him keeps on sinning"). Ephesians 2:8-9 is grace, but verse 10 adds we're created for good works. Discussion: "Credit card" faith treats sin lightly, but true repentance involves turning away (Acts 3:19). Confess specifically (1 John 1:9), pursue holiness (Hebrews 12:14), and rely on God's faithfulness (Philippians 1:6).

If We Don’t Act Like Christians, Are We Christians?

Actions reveal faith—James 2:17: "Faith... not accompanied by action, is dead." 1 John 2:3-4: Obeying commands proves knowing Him. Matthew 7:21-23 warns of false professions. Discussion: Not about perfection (1 John 1:8), but pattern of life. 2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith." If not acting like Christians, repent and seek genuine conversion (Ezekiel 18:30-32).

What Does It Mean to Pick Up Our Cross Daily?

Luke 9:23: "Deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." This is total surrender—dying to self (Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ"). Matthew 16:24-25: Losing life for Jesus finds it. Discussion: God wants all, not partial (Deuteronomy 6:5: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart..."). Daily means consistent choices: prayer, obedience amid trials. Romans 12:1: Living sacrifice. Surrender brings joy (John 15:11) and purpose.

Final Thoughts

Christianity demands transformation through God's truth. His grace saves, but His Spirit empowers holy living. If our lives don't reflect Christ, examine your heart—He desires total surrender. Let's walk the narrow path, picking up our cross daily. #ChristianLiving #GodsTruth #TotalSurrender