Easy As 1, 2, 3....NOT!

I'm an instructions/recipe follower because I know if I don't follow the instructions/recipes, whatever I'm trying to accomplish will probably fail.

I start with step 1 and venture on instead of starting with step 2 or 3. I mean that's how it's written, right?

I know this example seems silly but what if we first put our dirty clothes in the dryer and when the buzzer goes off, we then stick them in the washer. After the washer stops, we get them out, wet and soggy, and put them on to wear them for the day. Not only does it feel gross, but chances are it's going to put us completely out of our peace because we are either going to be too hot and musty, or too cold and stuff.

James 4:7-8 gives us step by step instructions too but oftentimes, we get them out of order: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.

First, we have to submit ourselves to God. Give in to God's ways. I can tell you from life experience, His ways are so much better for me; mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. People think that a Christ-followers life is dull and boring but I have found it to be the complete opposite of that! I've had more adventures in the last 10 years that far exceeded my first 30 years on planet Earth!

Second, resist the devil. Now here's the hard part...resist our own desire to do the wrong thing!  To lie, cheat, steal, murder (with our tongues when we say bad things about others), gossip, drink in excess, etc. It's our human nature to do those things but we have to make a conscience effort to NOT do them!

Lastly, come near to God. Easy to say, not as easy to DO! We come near to God by praying, reading His Word, worshipping and praising Him, serving others when we really have better things to do with our time. Make time for Him...instead of getting on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram first thing when our eyes pop open, how about crack open our Bibles and spend a little QT with the One who created you, gave you the breath that fills your lungs, and woke you up this morning.

Three steps that will change our life. And we are instructed to follow them step-by-step so we will have the abundant life He created us to have! I'm all in...let's do this thing!