As a New / Baby Christian

Early on, in my walk with the Lord, this was a frequent cry of my heart. When I looked at myself, and I don’t mean in the mirror, but deep within, I didn’t like what I saw. I didn’t see what was good in me, only that I was lacking. I wasn’t perfect and good like all the other Christians around me. I fell short on every score if there was a score to keep. I did not have a pure heart.

So Much Was Wrong with Me

I didn’t read my Bible every day, not even once a week. I couldn’t quote scripture, and still can’t. I often choose ways of the world, rather than ways of the Lord. Sure, I didn’t smoke or drink to excess. However, I loved to read, so I devoured romance novels and immersed myself in those worlds. I studied all the time, but not the Bible, and the list goes on.

I wish I knew then what I know now. (Is that a song?) God doesn’t snap his fingers and make you a whole new person with a pure heart and a steadfast spirit. He could, but generally, he doesn’t. Such a change, or transformation, takes time and requires your involvement. I don’t know about you, but I learn best through experience and by making mistakes.

Paul’s Experience of a Pure Heart

Paul, the author of much of the New Testament, had a profoundly personal and life-changing experience with Christ during his conversion (Acts 9). You may recall that Paul, then known as Saul, was a strong persecutor of the church and believers. (Acts 8:1-3) His conversion was certainly a more in-your-face kind of experience, but it was what he needed. As a result, he became an entirely different person. Did he instantly preach and write all these amazing books?

No! It took time. In fact, immediately after his Damascus road experience, he retreated for a period of time, maybe three years. A time he spent in the desert, learning and being transformed. It wasn’t instant; it took time.

It Takes Time

So, if it took Paul time, take heart, it will take you time. I have been under construction for fifty years now and still am not complete. God is doing his work in me, and I thank him for that. I have gone through periods of ‘construction pause’—a time of rest and refreshing. Transformation is hard work, and as in most things, change takes time to become the norm. So, God, in his mercy, gives us periods of rest and normalization.

Trust God

If you are someone who frets about your ‘walk’ or ‘lack of spiritual character’ or anything else, turn it over to the Lord. Trust Him to do His good work in you – He will create a clean heart with you. Give Him time and, most importantly, give yourself time.

Mind you, this is not a passive time. You have responsibilities too. Pray… even if just for the few moments you are awake before falling into an exhausted sleep. Read a passage of scripture every day. To make it easier, there are wonderful Apps available that provide a new passage of scripture every day. I am sure you can find the minute it will take to open the app and read. Don’t hesitate. Start NOW.

However, I think, in time, you will find that reading God’s word, from a Bible held in your hand, its comforting weight resting in your lap, will be the way to go. I highlight important verses and insert notes on stickies. I date my stickies to know which day God gave me that particular revelation. Then, as I search for something through my Bible, I find God had already spoken to me about it. What a blessing. What a joy.

Make it your life’s journey to fill your Bible with the messages God gives you as you read and listen.

Blessings,

Jana

YouVersion: https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/

(Note, I get nothing for this recommendation. It is an app I have used for many years and really like it. You are free to choose any other, as long as you use it daily. I like how this app tracks your usage, sends you reminders, etc. It will also provide teaching if you so wish.)