WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ACCEPT THE LORD’S FREE GIFT OF SALVATION?

SCRIPTURE:
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made 
perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took 
hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what 
is ahead 
(Philippians 3:12-13)

MEDITATION:
Paul was someone who never forgot about the extremely valuable gift 
of salvation he had been given on the road to Damascus.
He knew he had done nothing to deserve or earn this gift from the Lord,
but he knew the importance of receiving it, 
and he had a burning desire to show his appreciation.

As a result, he wanted to learn as much as he could about the Lord, 
so he could encourage others to receive the gift he had been given.
Paul felt that the more he learned and understood about the Lord, 
the more he would be able to contribute to the His earthly ministry.

His life on Earth would be one of striving to become spiritually mature, 
which means his life (habits, attitudes, priorities) 
would constantly be changing.
Early in his newly change life, 
he realized that since Jesus had been resurrected, 
he would now become one of many who would be His feet, His voice, 
and His expression of love and concern for others.

Paul was so passionate about his role of pointing others to the Lord, 
that it broke his heart whenever he knew of anyone who opposed the Lord.
For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears,
many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. (Philippians 3:18)

Paul could not wrap his mind around the reason anyone 
would be an enemy of the Lord who could give them hope, 
a promise of a new life, and an eternal destination to be with Him.
As a believer, it is equally difficult for me to understand.
Some may choose to ignore the Lord, but to be an enemy means 
a person attempts to give people reasons for not listening to the Lord, 
accepting His free gift, or participating in His ministry.

ACTION:
Paul gives you a good example of expressing gratefulness for the Lord’s gift.
If you have received His free gift, 
then question is, “What are you doing to show your appreciation?”
Are you actively learning more about the Lord 
and trying to develop His characteristics in your own life?
Characteristics that include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, 
goodness, faithfulness, humbleness, gentleness and self-control.
Are you living a life worthy of the calling you have received?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Am I growing as a Christian?
Do I know more about God's Word now than I did last week?
How am I handling the sins of the flesh?
Am I controlling things in my life like anger, envy, pride, lust, greed, etc.?

Does my life reflect the fruits of the Spirit, (love, joy, peace, patience, 
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)?
Do I share my faith with others at every opportunity?
Do I feel I am getting closer to God, or farther away?

What were my expectations when I was saved?
Am I trying to do what the Lord wants me to do?
Am I glad that He wants me to serve in His Earthly ministry?
What goals am I pressing toward?

What is different about me, now that I am a Christian?
How am I different now than I was a year ago? 
Do I scrutinize what I am taught about the scriptures, 
or do I just accept everything as it is presented?

Am I making a conscious effort 
to develop a closer relationship with the Lord? 
Am I making a conscious effort to develop Christ-like attitudes?
Am I changing from a selfish to a selfless person?
Am I looking forward to the Lord's return?
Do I have a Christian role model?
Am I a good Christian role model?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gift of salvation. I know that I am not 
deserving of Your gift and I have done nothing to earn it. It is a free gift 
that You chose to offer me. Help me to realize that it is not just a gift 
for me to accept and admire, but it is a gift that calls me to action. Teach
me how to express my heartfelt appreciation for what You have done for me. 
Help me to find a good Christian role model who can show me how to live for 
You, and to help me find answers to questions I may have. Create in me a 
desire to become a role model for others.”