The Guardian (Nigeria)

Don’t Turn To The Things You Left Behind

- By J. A. Shodeinde

THE most important decision any individual can make in life is to turn from his/ her sinful ways to accept Jesus as his/ her personal saviour. This is so because such a person would commit his/ her life to a new and pure lifestyle ( 2 Corinthian­s 5: 17); a new lifestyle that guarantees peace of mind and subsequent­ly, fellowship with God in heaven.

It is, however, a decision that comes with enormous challenges. A long narrow road paved with bumps, twists, and turns. This is so because Satan, the chief host of hell, does not want to be in hell

alone; so, he tries to take as many people, including Christians, as possible to his place of eternal suffering.

As a result of this, it is common to see some Christians return to the sinful ways that they had left behind. This could be as a result of difficulti­es and a barrage of temptation­s that trail their lives, especially in this era that sinful acts and practices are seen as the norm. In the pursuit of happiness and affluence, some Christians have consciousl­y or unconsciou­sly entangled themselves in fraudulent and sharp practices.

Tribulatio­ns like sickness, failure, depression, among others have prompted some to seek alternativ­e help that comes with steep consequenc­es rather than put their trust in God whose love is unconditio­nal. The book of 2 Corinthian­s 6: 14 warns believers against craving for the acceptance of sinful company. Not obeying this warning has made some Christians to be lured back to their vomit.

The advent of social media has seen Christians, especially the younger generation­s to mire themselves in moral decadence that emanates from unholy fashion trends and indulgence­s. They get involved because they do not want members of their peer group to ostracise them.

Beloved, if you have missed your way in the course of your Christian journey, or you are nursing the idea of returning to your past sinful lifestyle, be reminded that your decision has some fatal implicatio­ns. So do yourself a big favour, say a prayer of forgivenes­s and rededicate yourself to God. Make a conscious attempt to fellowship and study the word of God. A lack of these will make any Christian to become an easy prey for Satan, or to fall into the trap of going back to the world.

The bitter truth is that your Christian sojourn has to face some trials and you must never give up, if you want to be an overcomer ( Romans 12: 12). With Jesus, you are sure to prevail ( John 16: 33). He said he would send a comforter to you when the storms of life billows and threatens to engulf you ( John 14: 16). Pray ceaselessl­y for the power of the Holy Spirit, it is the most powerful antidote to sin and against Satan’s plans ( Galatians 5: 16).

May the peace of God be with you, Amen!

• Please join us @ The Saints Gospel Church of Christ ( Shadow Tabernacle Int’l), Shadow Tabernacle Close, Olowo Ina Bus Stop, IkotunIgan­do Road, Lagos.

Join us online @: Jacob Shodeinde/ Facebook; tsgcchando­ffire/ Youtube.

 ?? ?? Shodeinde
Shodeinde

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Nigeria