“…there is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:21b-22.

Before the advent of Jesus Christ, salvation came through trusting in God and His promises. Just as it is written “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6, and James 2:23.

And so it was for every believer, until God the Son, Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross for all mankind, all who would accept His sacrifice for their sins.

However, it does not stop there, just as God wishes all men to be saved, He also wants all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior to grow in Jesus in holiness and to become more Christlike in their behavior on this earth.

This is done by studying the Bible. As we learn more about Jesus in His word we will see the changes needed in our own lives, causing us to pray more as we continue to study and grow to spiritual maturity.

There are rewards in heaven which the Lord gives out to His children for their works done for Him in His name. Some say they do not care about rewards; they will be happy just to be in heaven. But when God says to you “Well done My good and faithful servant”, how much greater will your joy be.

Folks have to realize that if these heavenly gifts are important to God, they will really be important to us when we see what they are.

Are you handicapped, bedridden, in a menial job, often it is hard to get any recognition for your labors no matter how hard you work. God will not forget anything you do for Him from the heart, no matter how small and you will be blessed by God.

There are many ways you can serve God on this earth. Are you bedridden, you can e-mail others to encourage them or send them cards or letters. If you can lift up another Christian through your encouragement, perhaps they may stand before hundreds and bring an increase in God’s kingdom.

Are you handicapped, perhaps you can write a blog telling others about Jesus. A menial job does not define you; it is what you can do for Jesus during your time on this earth: Bible studies, teaching in church, encouraging others, going to prayer services or leading one.

The church is compared to a living body with eyes, ears, arms, legs. Every Christian functions in the church in the same manner as arms, legs, eyes, do in the body. It is God’s will that you do the things He equipped us to do and calls us to do.

If you are unsure what your gift is, sometimes a church elder or deacon might be able to guide you, if not, study your Bible, God will lead you.

Above all put on Jesus, as you read and study you will learn more about Jesus our Savior, and as we learn more about Him we shall become more like Him. But you must read the Scriptures as though they are speaking to you for your use and benefit, because they are.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12.

God speaks to us throughout all the Scriptures, but here is a good start.

Remember, this is the beginning of it all, we are God’s chosen people, we are children of God, as such He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5. A promise from God who cannot lie.

“…as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”, as God’s beloved we are to clothe ourselves with compassion.

That is to cast away the invisible sinful garments that defined us as sinners and put on Christ the outward show of our newness of life in Christ Jesus.

What would these new garments look like? Well, “compassion” has a good look to it, it means tender mercies with the extension of its meaning as, tenderness in relieving sorrow or want.

Second one “kindness” is goodness, not just as a quality, but goodness in action, goodness characterized by deeds.

“Humility” is the next word, more accurately, humbleness of mind, lowliness of mind indicating that this is something that comes from the heart, the inner man, not a façade of humility.

Gentleness is described in a dictionary published in 1828, av1611.com as; softness of manners; mildness of temper; sweetness of disposition; meekness.

And finally, patience is patient enduring of evil, fortitude; a calm temper which endures evil without murmuring or discontent.

The Bible not only tells us to put on the above characteristics, but it also gives us instructions as Christians how we should respond to the world’s lies.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2.

The vast majority of Christians have been molded into the ways of the world. Our attitudes toward fornication have been imbedded in our souls all our lives. Little white lies are permissible. It is okay to ignore or avenge ourselves on our enemy when he is in trouble. There is nothing wrong with a little gossip, especially if it is true. It is okay to hate your enemy if you do not speak of it.

None of this is just junk stuff, all of it is sin. Adam and Eve came under the curse of sin for eating a piece of fruit!

As the Christian studies the Scriptures prayerfully, they will recognize sin and put it away as they cease to be conformed to this world. However, this change will depend on the individual’s desire to put on Christ.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1.

“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:13-16.

Following Jesus taken from godisrevealed.com posted on 7-31-25 ck.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version, Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission, all rights reserved.