One of the ways that you will know that your life has changed for God is that you begin to actually do what He says to do. Most people really don't have that much difficulty in figuring out what God's word says - it's the compliance part that they have trouble with. God has really commanded us to do certain things, and He didn't give those commandments just to fill space in a book: He expects us to obey. When this fact finally registers with us and we "just do it", our lives change. And, this change is for the better.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22, NIV

Christianity is the most important commitment that a person will make in life. It is more important than committing to a new job, a big move, and even marriage. Since the decision to become a Christian and then live as a Christian is a lifelong commitment, it should not be entered into lightly or without thorough investigation. This is the 36th of 40 days in this series of changing your life for God and I would encourage you to re-read and study the Scriptures on each proposition made thus far. So, have you counted the costs for this new life yet? You really should prior to committing the rest of your life to Christ.

And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.

Jesus, as recorded in Luke 14:27-28, NKJV

The next critical step in changing you life for God is discipline. Discipline is what will prompt you to continue to serve God, even when you don't feel like doing so. Discipline is one of the greatest motivational tools known to man, when used properly. Discipline will cause you to read God's word with purpose. It will cause you to worship more faithfully and to pray more frequently. Discipline will, in all probability, be the difference between whether you will really change your life for God, or merely wish you had.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7, NIV

We began this series on changing your life in 40 days ten weeks ago. The idea was to give 4 life changing principles per week from the Bible. Week One included the facts that 1: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, 2: You can know the truth, 3: Whoever believes in Jesus will have everlasting life, and 4: It is by grace you are saved.

Fail to miss anyone of these truths and you cannot begin to change your life. Accept them, and you have a foundation with which to start. I do want to point out that God's grace and merely believing in Christ are not the sum total of what is required to be saved - but you cannot even start on the path to salvation without these two keys.

Week Two contained these encouragements 1: You must be committed to God and to His change, 2: Read the Bible as much as you can, 3: Pray as much as you can, 4: Worship with the church as much as you can.

I have noted that these four principles seem too simple to most people - so they never try them... so they fail.

Week Three introduced the principles of 1: Love for God, 2: Love for our fellow man, 3: Joy, and 4: Don't worry.

The key to changing your life for God is in love. Jesus stated that the two most important commands were to love God with all of your heart and soul and mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. The next two principles are gifts that flow from this type of love - you will have happiness beyond what you thought was possible and you simply won't have to worry about the things that most men worry about.

As this series nears its conclusion, you need to ask yourself this question: "Has my life changed?" If so, won't you share this change with others? It's highly likely that they have noticed something different about you if you have experienced a true change. But, if your life has not changed, isn't today a great day to start? Let me encourage you to go back and review these articles mentioned in today's post. Pay more attention to the passages of Scripture than you do to the commentary I have provided. If you will listen to God's pleas to you to change your life for Him and for Christ, you will truly begin to live the life that He has called you to live.

And, then... there is Heaven.

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves: Do what it says. James 1:22, NIV