Embarking on a New Journey: Where to start in your new life in Christ
Big Idea:
Start with the commands that Jesus calls the greatest: loving God and loving others.
I am a new Christian, where do I start?
Welcome to the incredible journey of faith! If you're reading this, you've recently embarked on a path that promises both challenges and immense joy. As a fellow believer, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations on making one of the most significant decisions of your life. The journey ahead will be emotional and transformative, and I can assure you that choosing to follow Christ is an experience you'll never regret.
As a new Christian, you might be asking, "Where do I start?" It's a question I've encountered many times, and I'm eager to share some guidance based on my own experiences. While there are various approaches, I often find myself directing new believers to a particular passage that holds profound wisdom—Matthew 22:36-40.
In this scripture, someone asks Jesus about the greatest commandment in the Law. Jesus responds with timeless wisdom: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
These verses encapsulate the essence of where your journey with God should begin. Let's delve into each aspect to guide you as you step into this beautiful walk with Christ.
1. Adore God: Love Him with All Your Heart
As a new follower of Christ, your primary focus should be on loving God, or as I like to phrase it, adoring God. This involves recognizing His character as revealed in His Word and expressing your admiration for who He is. When you spend time in the Bible, look for His character traits and make it a practice to thank and praise Him for these attributes in your prayers.
For instance, in Matthew 22:36-40, the disciples refer to Jesus as "Teacher" at the beginning of verse 36. This allows us to adore God as the Great Teacher. Moreover, the passage emphasizes God's nature as the epitome of love, as He commands us to love both Him and others. Our God is a God of love, and dwelling on this truth is awe-inspiring. Take a moment to reflect: What other character traits of God do you see in Matthew 22:36-40? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
2. Love Your Neighbor: Embrace the "One Anothers"
The second crucial aspect of your journey is to love your neighbor. This involves understanding and embodying the "One Anothers" found in God's Word. Here is a link to a list of the “One Anothers” for you to review and incorporate into your daily life. Particularly with fellow believers, make it a daily ritual to live out these biblical principles as you walk with Christ.
I challenge you to pick one of the "One Anothers," memorize the corresponding verse, and commit to practicing it daily. By actively engaging in these behaviors, especially with other followers of Christ, you'll contribute to building a strong foundation for your faith.
Conclusion: A Daily Commitment to Faith Building
Beginning your walk with God by practicing these two fundamental aspects—adoring God and loving your neighbor—will undoubtedly strengthen your faith. It's not about perfection but about the daily commitment to honor our Savior through intentional actions. If you're seeking support, prayer, or guidance in your new walk with Christ, please don't hesitate to comment or reach out to me below.
Congratulations once again on this incredible journey! May your steps be guided by the love of God and the joy that comes from following Him.
