Paul told the saints at Rome (Romans 1:1-7), “But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:17, 18). We decided to obey and follow Jesus, resulting in the forgiveness of our sins (Hebrews 5:8, 9) and “great joy” (Acts 8:8, 39), making for good, yea, great days. When one becomes a “new creature” “in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17), the “old man” of sin becomes a part of the past, and is replaced by the “new man” of righteousness. (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9, 10). So, as Paul stated, “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13, 14). We now heed Paul’s instruction, “that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1, 2).
We achieved this new high and holy life by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17), which led us to become believers in the Deity of Jesus and in God (Luke 1:31, 32; John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6). That faith led us to repent of our sins (Acts 17:30, 31), and confess our faith in Jesus as the Son of God. (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9, 10). Following that sweetest of all confessions, we were taken down into the water (Act 8:38), buried in baptism (Romans 6:1-5), and raised in newness of life (Ibid). This immersion put us in Christ (Galatians 3:26, 27) and His church (1 Corinthians 12:13) by His addition. (Acts 2:41, 47). We needed only His vote.
As a “newborn babe” in Christ, our new and different life transformed us from a life of anxiety in sin to a life of joy, minus the worries Satan offered. Our emphasis is now on Colossians 3:1-5; Titus 2:11, 12, and such scriptures. We seek to walk the strait and narrow road which leads to eternal life. (Matthew 7:13, 14). We study the inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16, 17), that we may grow (2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 2:2), and to show ourselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15). We seek to speak and live “as the oracles of God.” (1 Peter 4:11; 3:15; Romans 8:14, 16).
We seek to love everyone, whether saint (Hebrews 13:1) or sinner (Matthew 5:43-48), in word, tongue, deed and truth. (1 John 3:17-19). Our love is patterned after 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. This leads us to practice the golden rule, as Matthew 7:12, is sometimes called.
This higher and nobler road finds us filling our minds with good thoughts, such as, things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8), seeking to have the mind of Christ. (Philippians 2:5). Our affections are now set on “those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1, 2). Good thoughts enable us to speak good words. Cf. Psalm 19:14; Colossians 4:6.
“Jesus…went about doing good” (Acts 10:38); the number of deeds were innumerable. (John 21:25). We want to be like Him, and we seek to let our lights shine to draw men to glorify God. (Matthew 5:16). Unlike those who work iniquity, we desire to do the will of God. (Matthew 7:21-23).
As we travel the strait and narrow road, we will warn any of their evil, even rebuking them, but we will always, like Jesus (Luke 23:34; Acts 2:38), be ready and willing to forgive the repentant. (Luke 17:3, 4; Matthew 6:14; 18:6-35).
The joy we found in Jesus, walking the heavenly road, finds us singing. (James 5:13). We use our new found tool to be helpful in teaching others. (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). The more we sing the less time we spend on non-important things. We have found singing to be useful, even under duress. (Acts 16:25). Cf. Romans 15:9.
We love to pray to our Father in heaven. Jesus said “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” (Luke 18:1). Paul admonished, “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18). What a privilege to take everything to God in prayer, knowing that He hears His faithful. (John 9:31).
Visiting the fatherless and widows (James 1:27), and helping all, whether saint or sinner (Galatians 6:10), is so rewarding. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35). We have been given so much, and we know the need to give out of our abundance. (Luke 12:48). If the widow could give from her state of poverty (Mark 12:41-44), so can we of our plenty.
Learning the soul-saving truth which has freed us from sin, highly motivates us to teach those lost in sin to obey the soul-saving gospel (Romans 1:16), the doctrine of Christ. (2 John 9-11). We may be their only hope of escaping the place of hell prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41). God’s people of old were warned of failing to teach the lost. (Ezekiel 3:18-21). We are to teach the lost of our day. (Mark 16:15; 2 Timothy 2:2).
We use our funds to give to those who need (Ephesians 4:28), who cannot work. (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). We give according to our prosperity (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2), not grudgingly or of necessity. (2 Corinthians 8; 9).
Finally, but certainly not because the subject has been exhausted, we, as the song says, will not turn back, as did Lot’s wife (Luke 17:32), and others. (Galatians 3:1; 5:4). We will endure unto the end (Mark 13:13; Revelation 2:10), so that we may hear Him say, “Well done” and “Come, (Matthew 25:21-23, 34, 46). Obey Jesus that He may save you. (Hebrews 5:8, 9). Add the Christian graces. (2 Peter 1:5-7). Have a good (great) day in Christ with us. Realize with us that we need Christ hourly, each day, and seek to live close to Him each day. Call us; we will be happy to help you find the One who can help you have great days. Go ahead, friend, make our day great.
It Is Written 