How to Draw a Line in the Sand and Live For Jesus

In our journey with the Lord, we can find ourselves at different crossroads. Crossroads that cause us to face decisions that shape the direction of our faith and relationship with God. Today, we're exploring what it means to "draw a line in the sand" – to make a definitive choice to move forward in faith, leaving behind the things that hold us back from experiencing the fullness of God's presence and purpose in our lives.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, provides us with a powerful roadmap for this journey of deepening faith. Let's unpack six key principles that can guide us as we seek to live more intentionally for Christ:

1. Cut Ties with Empty Words
Our world is filled with voices competing for our attention, offering philosophies and ideologies that may sound appealing but ultimately lack substance. Paul warns us not to be deceived by these empty words. Just as a child might gorge on sweets that offer no real nourishment, we can find ourselves consuming worldly ideas that leave our souls malnourished.
Instead, we're called to feed on the truth of God, allowing His word to become an integral part of who we are. This means critically examining the messages we allow into our lives and choosing to align ourselves with God's eternal truths rather than fleeting cultural trends.

2. Figure Out What Pleases God
Too often, our attempts to please God come from a place of obligation rather than love. Paul encourages us to "try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:10). This isn't about following a set of rules out of fear or duty; it's about developing a heart that genuinely desires to bring joy to our Creator.
When we truly love someone, we naturally want to do things that make them happy. The same principle applies to our relationship with God. As we grow in our love for Him, we'll find that the things that please Him become our heart's desire as well.

3. Awaken from Spiritual Slumber
Paul issues a wake-up call: "Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians 5:14). It's all too easy to go through life on autopilot, unaware of the spiritual dangers around us. Our spiritual drowsiness leaves us vulnerable to sin and keeps us from experiencing the vibrancy of life in Christ.
Awakening spiritually means becoming alert to God's presence and activity in our lives. It involves actively engaging our faith rather than passively drifting through life.

4. Be Intentional About Living for Christ
Living for Christ isn't something that happens by accident. Paul exhorts us to "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16). This calls for deliberate choices and actions that align with God's will for our lives.
Each day presents us with a fresh opportunity to choose God's path. As we make these daily decisions to follow Christ, we move closer to Him and further from the things that once held us back.

5. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
Paul contrasts being "drunk with wine" with being "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). This isn't just about having a measure of the Holy Spirit in our lives; it's about being completely filled and empowered by God's presence.
A Spirit-filled life is marked by a supernatural ability to live out our faith. It's the power that transforms timid believers into bold witnesses, that ignites passion for worship and prayer, and that enables us to live in a way that reflects Christ to the world around us.

6. Engage Deeply in the Life of the Church
In our individualistic culture, it's tempting to view our faith as a personal matter between us and God. However, Paul emphasizes the importance of being connected to a community of believers. He describes a vibrant picture of church life, filled with worship, thanksgiving, and mutual submission (Ephesians 5:19-21).
Being part of a local church isn't just about attending services; it's about doing life together with other believers. It's in the context of these relationships that we find support, accountability, and opportunities for growth. When we isolate ourselves from the body of Christ, we become vulnerable to spiritual attacks and miss out on the fullness of what God has for us.

As we reflect on these principles, we're faced with a crucial question: Are we content to stay where we are spiritually, or are we ready to move forward with the Lord? Drawing a line in the sand means making a decisive commitment to pursue a deeper relationship with God, regardless of the cost.

This journey isn't always easy. It may require us to let go of comfortable habits, confront areas of compromise in our lives, or step out in faith in ways that feel uncomfortable. But the rewards are immeasurable – a more intimate walk with God, a life filled with purpose and power, and the joy of seeing God work in and through us in ways we never imagined.

As we close, let's consider where we stand in our spiritual journey. Have we truly made Jesus Christ the Lord of our lives? Are there areas where we need to recommit ourselves to following Him wholeheartedly? Perhaps there are struggles or questions we need to bring before God in prayer.

Whatever our situation, we can take comfort in knowing that God is always ready to meet us where we are. He invites us to draw near to Him, to experience His forgiveness, healing, and transforming power. Today can be the day we draw that line in the sand, saying "Yes" to a deeper walk with God and "No" to the things that hold us back.

Let's make the choice to move forward, to be filled with the Spirit, and to live intentionally for Christ. As we do, we'll discover the abundant life He promises – a life of purpose, joy, and lasting impact for His kingdom.