I Want to Become a Stronger Christian in 2010

I still remember very clearly the day that I became a Christian. It was about five years ago and my life at the time was very tough. My family was poor, my parents were fighting, and I was spiritually lost. In my mind, God was a selfish God for not intervening in my life to make all the things that caused me pain to go away. He was the God that I never revered.

After my conversion, I thought that life would get easier. It was to my belief that a person in Christ would have an easier and more peaceful life. To some extent, my spirit was in rest and peace in Christ, but the circumstances in my life worsened. It wasn't very long before I literally fell to my knees in prayer every night. Christ became the water that I constantly thirst for, and the friend that sharpens better than a brother.

I soon learned by revelation of his scripture that God uses the circumstances in our lives to mold us and shape us to be more like his son. I'm 18 now, and the suffering is still continuing, but I've stepped into a new light. This is my biggest 2010 New Year's resolution: I want to become a better Christian. And I've got just the five things, that are going to help me become a stronger Christian and overcome my circumstances for the relationship I have in Christ.

Put on the belt of truth. Romans 6:14 tells me to "stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around my waist." In the same way that a belt is wrapped around the center of my body, truth must also be the center of my life. By putting on the belt of truth, I will be able to weigh my circumstances and make sound decisions.

Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Romans 6:14 tells me to "stand firm then, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." Back then, a roman soldier would never forget to put on his breastplate before going into battle. His breastplate protected him from close range attacks. In the same way that a breastplate protects us from close range attacks, righteousness protects us from evil. By putting on the breastplate of righteousness, I will be able to stand against the bad circumstances in my life.

Put on the sandals of peace. Romans 6:15 tells me to have my feet "fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." In the past, sandals were worn to protect our feet from small stones, heat, and cuts. It became customary to have some type of footwear simply because it offered us comfort and stability. So then, as we walk with Christ, we receive peace from his gospel. By putting on the sandals of peace, I will be able to have peace of mind, heart, and spirit when trouble lurks around the corner.

Put on the shield of faith. Romans 6:16 tells me to "take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." For the roman soldier, the shield was a tool that was completely necessary for defense. Strong and durable, a roman soldier's shield would defend him against a sword and long range attacks. In the same way, our faith in Christ shields us from worry, anxiety, and depression. By putting on the shield of faith, I will be able to look to God instead of myself in my worry, anxiety, and depression.

Put on the sword of the Spirit. Romans 6:17 tells me to "take the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God." Wow, the sword of the spirit is the word of God. Swords were used to attack and killed the enemy during battle. For many years, the sword was the most effective and popular weapon in warfare. In the same way, my sword is the word of God. As I read the word and apply it to my life, I sharpen my sword. By putting on the sword of the Spirit, I will be able to attack situations in my life with God beside me.

Putting on the full armor of God is essential for any Christian that desires to be stronger in Christ. Because when we put on the full armor of God, we put on Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ becomes our armor for battle, and that is where we receive our strength. And as always, God receives the praise when we return victorious.