To our new brothers and sisters in Christ...
The greatest decision you will ever make has already been made. You have placed your faith in Jesus Christ, and everything has changed.
Not everything around you will change overnight. But everything about your eternity has.
Here are a few things I wish someone had told me when I first began walking with Jesus.
You were not simply saved from something. You were saved for something.
You have been baptized into Christ and enlisted into the Kingdom of God. There is a real spiritual battle taking place, and you now belong to the King. Expect opposition. Expect resistance. But never forget whose side you’re on.
You will battle your flesh more than you will battle demons.
The greatest war is often not around you but within you. Pride, selfishness, fear, anger, lust, unforgiveness, and complacency will fight for territory in your heart. Learn to surrender daily.
Jesus’ ministry was reconciliation. Now it is yours.
You are not called to win arguments. You are called to help people find their way back to God. And to do so in a manner that represents Him accordingly. Your life is no longer your own.
Run from spiritual pride.
Denominations are not your enemy. Other believers are not your enemy. Pride is. Nothing poisons a heart faster than believing you have figured out what everyone else has somehow missed.
Read your Bible every day- Every. Day.
Not occasionally. Not when it’s convenient. Every day. Read it when you’re inspired. Read it when you’re tired. Read it when it feels alive. Read it when it feels dry. Feed your spirit before you feed your opinions.
Stop trying to be perfect. Start trying to know Jesus.
You will never achieve perfection in your own strength. But as you walk with Christ, He will transform you from the inside out. Focus less on performance and more on relationship.
Never forget who the enemy is.
The enemy is not other people. Not politicians. Not unbelievers. Not your neighbor. Jesus died for people. The enemy is not of this world but sometimes greatly influences those people within it. Fight darkness. Love people.
You will be wounded along the way.
Some of your deepest hurts may come from people who claim the name of Christ. These people may likely be involved in church. Maybe even in a prominent role there. This is not uncommon, we are all human and humans screw up.
When this happens, keep your eyes on Jesus. He never fails.
Let Scripture become your foundation.
Before you consume endless books, podcasts, conferences, and opinions, learn the voice of God through His Word. The Bible is enough to introduce you to Christ.
No believer is more loved, more accepted, or more valuable than another.
You do not need a celebrity preacher’s anointing. You have Christ, the same as he or she does. The same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.
God has given you gifts for a reason.
Your calling will not look exactly like anyone else’s. Don’t imitate other people or personalities. Discover your own assignment. You were uniquely made by God for a unique purpose. Lean into that.
Start in the New Testament.
Meet Jesus first. Learn His heart. Learn His words. Learn His ways. I recommend the book of John. Also, get a translation of the bible that makes sense to you. Modern translations will help prevent you from staying so confused by the language.
Your responsibility is obedience and surrender, not outcomes.
Share the Gospel boldly. Leave the results thereof to the Holy Spirit.
Not every thought needs a microphone.
Especially online. Don’t fall prey to this trap. Pray more. Post less.
Social media is not church. And opinions are like... well, you get it.
You need real people, real accountability, real worship, real fellowship, and real discipleship. Find a healthy local church and plant yourself there.
God is still speaking.
He never stopped. Not hearing from God isn’t God failing to speak, it’s our failure to hear. Slow down long enough to listen. Turn down the noise. Create space for His voice. Silence is often where clarity begins.
Believe what God says about you.
He calls you beloved. The enemy will accuse, condemn, and lie. God speaks identity. Satan attacks identity. Learn the difference and live freely and abundantly in this.
Context matters, very much.
A verse taken out of context can become a weapon instead of a truth. Read what comes before. Read what comes after. Understand who was speaking, who was listening, and why it was written. All Scripture is for you. Not all Scripture was written directly to you.
Love people who believe differently than you.
You do not have to compromise truth to show kindness. Friendship is not compromise. Compassion is not compromise. Your life should be an invitation to Christ.
Don’t look for the perfect church.
You won’t find one. Find a church that loves Jesus, honors Scripture, and genuinely loves people. Then help strengthen it.
Salvation happens instantly. Transformation happens daily.
God changes your destination in a moment. He renews your mind over a lifetime. Partner with Him in the process and remain committed.
Never compare your walk to someone else’s.
God writes different stories for different people. Keep your eyes on Jesus, not on other believers. In the scale of life, there will always be someone ahead of you, behind you, and all in between. It’s your own walk that should remain in focus, not theirs.
Stand firmly on the essential facts.
God is real. His Word is true. Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. Never apologize for the truth... but always deliver it with grace.
Love is your greatest weapon.
Love reaches places arguments never can. Love opens doors pride cannot. Love reflects Jesus better than anything else you will ever do.
Popularity and being accepted means nothing in eternity.
Follower counts, platforms, influence, and recognition impress people. They do not impress God, faithfulness does.
Stay teachable.
The journey of Christianity is to be a lifelong student. The longer you walk with God, the more you will realize how much there is still to learn. Humility is not weakness. Humility is wisdom.
Learn the difference between conviction and condemnation.
Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and leads you toward Jesus. Condemnation comes from the enemy and drives you away from Him. One produces repentance. The other produces shame. One brings freedom. The other brings bondage. Know the difference.
In the Kingdom of God, servant is the highest title.
Not apostle. Not prophet. Not pastor. Not teacher... Servant.
Jesus washed feet. Never forget that.
Keep the main thing the main thing.
Love God with all your heart. Love people with all your heart.
Everything else will fall into line with this as your focus.
There is so much more, but these cover the majority of the basics.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, and remember, the One who called you is faithful, and He will finish what He started in you.
~ Devin
Devin Osborne
The Early Church