“Will I ever make it?” “Will I ever get over this habit?” “Is it possible to live a holy life in this sinful world?” are some of the most common questions we as teenagers or youngsters ask ourselves. And I want to tell you my friend that the Bible not only demands an impeccable life but also reassures us that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).
You may be in school, college or workplace. With all the peer pressure and the temptations surrounding you, you may be finding it difficult to live up to God’s standard. God’s standard is nothing less than “Be ye holy as I am holy.” Now even while reading this, you may be at the point of giving up or you might be thinking that you’ve failed God too many times, I want to tell you something.
Our God is a God of infinite chances. You might have hit the rock bottom but He can give you a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance but a real chance. Never give up, because the Lord never gives up on you. Now that you know you have another chance and have decided on living a holy life, Satan is right after you. He will remind you of how many times you’ve messed up and that you’ll never be able to live up to God’s standards. But don’t worry for the Bible says in 1Cor. 10:13, And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. However facing and overcoming temptations require discipline in our lives. Some practical suggestions on discipling ourselves to live a holy life are: Spend time meditating on God’s Word Daily quiet time is one of the most vital parts of a Christian’s life. If anybody needs a quiet time it’s you and me. Many a time we neglect this and we see our life going for a six. This truth is very clearly put in Psalms, ‘How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.’ And again ‘I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you’ (Psalm 119:9,11).
Memorizing scripture related to your area of temptation will also be of great help. Stay clear of your boundaries There was a king who wanted a charioteer for himself. He called for a competition, where all the famous charioteers throughout the country would participate. The task was to steer the chariot through a narrow cliff. So one by one the charioteer came and to exhibit their skill, steered as close to the edge of the cliff as possible. Some succeeded, some didn’t.
There was one man who steered comfortably keeping a safe distance from the edge. He didn’t look “cool” but he won the position as the king’s charioteer. The point I want to make clear is that we need to be alert against the schemes of the devil. We know of our weak areas and we are not that smart or clever enough to deal with it by allowing ourselves to be tempted. Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1Peter 5:8).Faith The fundamental sin that is at the foundation of all others is the sin of unbelief. There is no breaking away from our sins without faith. Without faith it is impossible to please Him (Heb. 11:6). Have faith in Him who will bring to completion the work He started in us. We need to know who we are in Christ and the unlimited power that is at hand. The only way is to let Christ live His life in us and through us. Though we are weak, He is strong. No matter how many times you’ve fallen, know that ‘we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Rom. 8:37). So go ahead, live in the world without the world living in you!
Author: Mr. Cherian George is an engineer by profession. His passion is for the youth and ministries mainly through music with the intention of bridging the generation gap.
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