Looking unto yourself (2 John 1:8) For Pastors and Believers

In Christianity, becoming a true believer goes beyond being a lifelong Christian who attends church occasionally, once a month, or only during Christmas and Easter. Many individuals take their faith or relationship with Jesus for granted, feeling obligated to attend church without truly encountering Him. However, true transformation often occurs when someone has a personal encounter with Jesus, often triggered by life challenges such as health issues, spiritual attacks, the loss of a loved one, or financial instability. These experiences can lead people closer to Jesus, their Savior.

Once someone acknowledges Jesus and embraces faith, they feel compelled to live according to His will. The Holy Spirit instills a desire to read the Bible, pray, and fast regularly. This spiritual awakening usually leads to consistent church attendance, and believers feel a profound sense of Jesus’ presence.

After this transformation, believers are often strongly urged to help save others’ souls for Jesus, one of the most fulfilling endeavors. This journey often starts with family members—siblings, uncles, and aunts—who may identify as Christians but have not truly become believers. They are encouraged to attend church regularly. Despite these efforts, it can feel discouraging when challenges arise, and it may seem like the devil is undermining your efforts. “Acts 11:14 inspires us to understand that personal salvation is the foundational step that opens the door for our households to follow. By embodying strong values in our own lives and character, we create a lasting impact on those around us.”

These struggles can lead to feelings of discouragement, prompting believers to question their faith. However, it’s essential to remember that “bigger miracles take time; bigger fish take time to catch.” Maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus is crucial. The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and attentively watching your own walk with God, removing bad habits that could negatively influence those you wish to save for Jesus.

“Sometimes, the change your prayers can’t bring may come through the character you develop through prayer and fellowship with Jesus”. The Bible advises us to “look to yourselves” so we do not lose our invested labor and receive a perfect reward. Neglecting our spiritual lives can render our labor ineffective on earth and in heaven.( 2 Jhon 1:8)

So, how should we approach this? If we have a vision for Jesus, we must labor thoughtfully and be cautious, as Satan seeks to make our efforts fruitless, though God does not. Always listen to one shepherd. In today’s world, there is an abundance of sermons available online, but as Ecclesiastes 12:11 states, it’s wise to heed the words of one shepherd. Following multiple shepherds can lead to confusion, like visiting several doctors who prescribe conflicting treatments.

Reading various Christian books and listening to testimonies can be beneficial, but I recommend being mentored by one shepherd or coach to flourish in your faith journey. I recall a situation where a man sought advice from one pastor regarding marriage, and another pastor contradicted this, suggesting his wife was not God’s will. Such conflicting advice can lead to grave misunderstandings and discord.

Pastors should carefully evaluate their actions and ensure they live according to the Spirit of God to guide their congregations effectively. Likewise, believers must prioritize their relationship with Jesus and avoid distractions from worldly matters.

“The one who is careful about their spiritual life must also be mindful of their future.”

”WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ BIBLE”