Progress as a Christian

[Droobie]

Since becomming a Christian, has your life changed for the better? How much progress have you made? Is it noticeable?

Thanks to Seeker4Christ for this poll suggestion.

[growingupinhim]

Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? though to have fruits of rightesouness you must be abiding in the true vine! Jesus! (Feeding on the bread of life, the word!) Faith without any works(doing good what God has called you to do)..is dead, spirturally!

[JNB]

I don't agree with the choices of the poll considering the question asked.
The Lord has blessed me and delivered me from many areas since I have become a Christian.(22 years) However in that time I have also found many, many sins I'm guilty of that I wasn't aware were even sins. Pride for an example, I'm still dealing with in areas I didn't know existed. There are hundreds of others that when one judges themself will find much cleaning up to do.

[cindylou]

I didn't vote because I didn't really find an answer that "fit." Since becoming a Christian 12 years ago, I have definitely changed. I am much more aware of how I am connected to the community and how my decisions and/or sins really do affect other people around me. My attitudes have changed about everything from marriage to social concerns to financial planning to child rearing etc. Do I sin less? Perhaps, but I am more aware of what sin really is...and that it's always there. Christianity is definitely a journey.

[AtlantaFest04]

well i do sin alot and i hate it but i think im a little bit better. Hopefully one day i will be a STRONG Christian

[Palatka44]

You need to have an extra catagory such as, My sins are in remission sense Christ stepped into my heart and life. I can not say that I have stopped sinning as this would be a false statement. However sense I am on my 38th year as a Christian Christ has mine in remission.

[Blessed-one]

definitely yes, that there is improvement, but it is continuous and as JNB said, there might even be some sins that i'm not aware of.

[Eleana]

I did make much progress. from a suicidial teenager and perceived as hopeless by all to now, a teacher in college and bringing the message of hope to ppl around me. God I thank You for rescuing me from death and brought me into Your light. Love You!

[MR T]

im on a better road

[CeCe]

I'm not really sure about "sinning less" so I couldn't really vote. But as for the "life changed" aspect. Most definately. I'm not even the same person. I really disliked people in general, made fun of Christians, had a truly nasty attitude and never met anyone who could match me in sarcasm. That person is about as dead as she's ever gonna be now. I'm not even sure if "transformed" even does it justice. Jesus completely changed my life. :bow:

[Konnie]

I have made much progress.

[Cozmo]

I have made much progress but yet have seen so much in my life that is sin and still have a long road to walk on. Luckily, God is beside me all the way.

:angel:

[kwimmer]

I'm scared of anyone that claims to be sinless. We should strive to be sinless, but our salvation is not by our works. They always fall short.

If we claim to be without sin, we decieve ourselves and the truth is not in us. I John 1:8

[Jesus-is-the-best]

I have made between progress and much progress. I have a lot more life to go, I would say I have made progress.

[Snowy]

I'm not as bad as I was..but I'm still working on it :)

[thomas the tank engine]

well I don't really know much about sin, but I always know when what I'm doing is wrong - and these days I tend to think, what would God think of me? And how am I going to justify this to him when I die? So I guess Christianity has helped put me on a better road :)

[LOVELYST]

I know in my life that I had to serve God, it's something that was in me all along, but I kept trying over and over to be a christian, never really understanding how it works, but thank God, now that I've redecated my life to christ, I can say that I have a better understanding on who christ was and is and how he works, he just fills me up with his joy, I'am praying more, obeying more, going to church more, walking in the spirit more, which is the key to being a christian, once you believe, then there is where it starts, it's a spirtual change, God now lives in you, but we do not know this, because we're waiting for some reaction in the flesh, that is why some people say that even when they're saved, that they don't feel save, because they haven't believed first of all, you have to believe first of all, then you pray to God to guide you in the spirit daily, and you will feel that change in the spirit, right with in you, to all my Brothers and Sisters in christ, WALK IN THE SPIRIT, I leave you with this quote from gal 5:16 I say unto you walk in the spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh

[GraceReborn]

So new to being a Christian that I don't know. But I know that I have come a long way in a very short amount of time from the person I used to be. And striving to be better everyday.

[HolySpiritWarrior]

I voted "I have made some progress."
I just recently rededicated and I have stopped a lot of the sin I was involved in but, every day you realize different sins in your life. There will always be sin but I think I have made allot of progress. I am definately in a lott better of a place with sin than I was... but then again how can you ever be in a good place with sin?
Love in Christ,
Erica

[FBI78]

Well i became a christian when i was 5 so that was about 20yrs ago and since i have grown up i have became a better christian than i was but i have alot more work to do.

[Wolflily]

In the first four years I since I became a Christian, I progressed in leaps and bounds, but at the moment I'm in a rough spot spiritually. I feel far from God most days and truly struggle with putting Him first and laying down my self. I know He hasn't abandoned me and I know it's a matter of discipline and embracing grace and forgiveness, but it's still monumentally difficult right now.

[Staind]

I've gotten worse. I"m constantly afraid of sinning and I just feel depressed overall.

[robl]

I've gotten worse. I"m constantly afraid of sinning and I just feel depressed overall.
First of all, don't be depressed because the God who created the universe loves and knows you personally (Matt. 10:30). He sent His son to the earth to die for your sins (John 3:16). If you accept His gift to you, you will be spottless in His presence (Rev. 7:9, 1 John 1:9).

Now comes the hard part. 1 John 3:2-3 tells us that we will not be completely finished until we are face to face with Him. We are also told that because of this hope (the hope of being in His presence) we are to purify ourselves as He is pure. We are also to deal harshly with sin in our lives, and to cast the sins away from us (Matt 5:29).

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
In other words, give it all over to Him because He loves you and is faithful to complete you.

[Haud_Solus]

:) It's better to give than to recieve.

Stay positive.

SOL

[semper_baptist]

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE STRUGGLE... SIN IS OUR LEPROSY PLAGUE. WE ARE THE LEPERS, FOR WE ARE STILL IN OUR FLESH, THEREFORE WE ARE GOING TO SIN, AND IF YOU ARE DISCERNING YOU WILL NOTICE YOU COMMIT SIN MORE OFTEN THAN BEFORE.

NOT BECAUSE YOU ARE A WORST PERSON, BUT BECAUSE IF YOU ARE GUIDED BY THE HOLY GHOST, HE WILL TELL YOU WHAT IS RIGHT AND WRONG. YOU AND ME, AND EVERYBODY IS A NASTY FILTHY SINNER... BUT GOD HAST RAISED US UP FROM THE FILTHYNESS... BE CONTENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS YOUR INHERITANCE, BUT DONT THINK YOU ARE THE ROYAL CHILD OF GOD WHO NEVER SINS... REMEMBER, GOD LOVES YOU AS MUCH AS HE LOVES THE UNSAVED. HE EXPECTS YOU TO STAY IN HIS WILL, JUST LIKE A FATHER WOULD EXPECT HIS SON, AND TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT IN HIS WILL, HE WANTS THEM IN HIS WILL...

DO YOU KNOW WHAT GOD'S WILL IS FOR YOU???

2 COR 5:7

[Dawn Marie]

I'm... trying. :P

[Staind]

First of all, don't be depressed because the God who created the universe loves and knows you personally (Matt. 10:30).
If he does love me and knows me personally then why would he ever send me to hell?

[semper_baptist]

BECAUSE YOU NEED TO REPENT OF YOUR SINS, YOU SEE. HE HATES SIN, FOR HE IS HOLY. HE DOESNT HATE YOU, HE HATES WHAT YOU DO.

[Annabel Lee]

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE STRUGGLE... SIN IS OUR LEPROSY PLAGUE. WE ARE THE LEPERS, FOR WE ARE STILL IN OUR FLESH, THEREFORE WE ARE GOING TO SIN, AND IF YOU ARE DISCERNING YOU WILL NOTICE YOU COMMIT SIN MORE OFTEN THAN BEFORE.

NOT BECAUSE YOU ARE A WORST PERSON, BUT BECAUSE IF YOU ARE GUIDED BY THE HOLY GHOST, HE WILL TELL YOU WHAT IS RIGHT AND WRONG. YOU AND ME, AND EVERYBODY IS A NASTY FILTHY SINNER... BUT GOD HAST RAISED US UP FROM THE FILTHYNESS... BE CONTENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS YOUR INHERITANCE, BUT DONT THINK YOU ARE THE ROYAL CHILD OF GOD WHO NEVER SINS... REMEMBER, GOD LOVES YOU AS MUCH AS HE LOVES THE UNSAVED. HE EXPECTS YOU TO STAY IN HIS WILL, JUST LIKE A FATHER WOULD EXPECT HIS SON, AND TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT IN HIS WILL, HE WANTS THEM IN HIS WILL...

DO YOU KNOW WHAT GOD'S WILL IS FOR YOU???

2 COR 5:7
Would you turn off the Cap Lock key and quit yelling!!

[robl]

If he does love me and knows me personally then why would he ever send me to hell?
Matt 25:41 "...into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels."
Eze. 33:11 "...As I live, declares the Lord God, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his ways and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways!..."

God does not want anyone to go to hell. He created us in His image, which includes giving us free will. With this free will we are given the choice to follow God or not. It is this choice that determines your eternal destiny. God does not send anyone to hell. They go there willingly.

[MYMOM]

I'M NOT SURE, IS THERE SOME KIND OF A TEST I COULD TAKE AND FIND OUT THE ANSWER TO THIS?

[Staind]

No, you could try personal reflection though.

[Jesusfrk4life77]

I have changed sooo much since i became a Christian! I was saved when i was nine but when i got saved it was to, ya know...be saved...i didnt know any better! Well, since then i have grown closer and closer to God every day! I have won Best Christian Example in my school for 3 years straight...i think thatz people seeing it, right~ ive even surrendered to the ministry...im gonna be a missionary when i grow up! im sooo excited! Im not braggin im just tellin yall how much God has done for me! He is a truly amazin and forgivin God! One Love, One God, One Way!
Souled Out 4 Jesus,
Alexis M

[Ghost23]

Jesus has taken me far from my past and i am so thankful for that.

[ilovethelord]

Progress as a Christian
I was in a gang when I first came to the alter so wow has god changed my life

[jive]

i have come a long ways, wait i mean God has brought me a long ways i have done nuthing but follow. when i met the Master everything i used to love, i now hated and everything i hated , now i loved. "i was headed for hell when God came with the key, and i was bound in locked in chains when Jesus came to set me free." k2s

[mrversatile48]

Some wonderful, encouraging testimonies here: thank you all!

I put mine, "From Sheer Terror to Firm Faith", on the testimonies thread @ the Charismatic Movement board

I see now that there's a general testimony board that could use more stories too

www.HeInvites.com is a specialist testimony site with thousands of stories of how God has turned all manner of trauma & tragedy into triumph & deliverance

They welcome more stories always

They have a handy page of tips, (inc to read how Paul testified on trial in Acts 26)

1 - What was your life like before you found faith in Christ?

2 - What drew you to put your faith & trust in Christ?

3 - How has your life changed as a result of trusting Christ?

They recommend a good balance between those 3 elements, as Paul did

"They overcame by the blood of Christ & the word of their testimony"

God bless!

Ian

[LadyBird]

I think that I sin less...I have made a lot of progess over the last four years. Which is good though.

[KarateJack]

I have a horrible habit of cussing. I was raised with parents that cursed every other breath. If I can learn to control that, I think I'd make good progress. :)

[Glorianna]

When we become Christians, we have more of a desire to be sinless. So I have been trying my hardest to accomplish this, even though I know I never will.

[TheMainException]

I can't say that I was a horrible kid, but I have noticed that I have become more in love with Christ than I used to be.

[PaladinGirl]

I'm pretty much the same as before but I have made a tiny bit of progress.

[Moros]

Pretty good.

[cat has felt the light!]

I have made some progress, I hasten to modestly add that I am only at the beginning of a long journey but I know that there has been some change in me, many have pointed it out often saying that they can't pinpoint exactly what has changed but that something has. I am encouraged and excited at being told this, and hope that the change has been the holy spirit!!
C@ xx

[DevoutHeiress]

I have changed. :)

[Lady_Firehawk]

According to my own perceptions I've gotten worse, but that might be because I am far more acutely aware of what constitutes a sin. Maybe I've actually gotten better; just way more nit-picky.

[Bladecarver]

I have made much progress since I rededicated my life, but I'm not fully there just yet...

[HotRhymez]

Since becoming a Christian I have actually gotten worse...I swear more..and I haven't read my Bible or prayed for like a month. I don't know what's going on, I haven't lost the desire to do sinful things and I always give in to temptation and I have a LOT of dirty thoughts...I'm just not very good at being religious I guess. Whatever, someday I'll get better.

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

How well you do will tie very closely with how much you read and pray, trust me. Keep trying SlimShadyJB :)

[Faith In God]

whew. sure notice sin a bunch more. sin less? hard to say. Paul said that he was the chief of sinners...makes you think, doesn't it? I know my heart is dreadfully wicked. I am, however, a living fish fighting the current whereas I was a dead one floating downstream. :)

[Mimi]

I am not suicidal anymore, Thanks to the lord and the meds I have.......God made me help myself....That is a HUGE process for me.....but not feeling differently, just more joy :).....I vote that I made a huge process.....

[faith by day]

More than you know! i have progressed so much! I know more than i ever have! and i have been through more than i ever have!!!! Every christian progresses with every mistake he or she makes..... ;)

[~Mrs. A2J~]

I still sin many times a day but I believe I sin less than I did before I became a Christian.

Sarah

[Touring3D]

I'm a new creation. Praise God! :bow:

[The "J"]

Of course!

[The "J"]

I don't sin at all. For sin is what condemns us under the Law, and I now live under Grace.

[Faith In God]

I don't sin at all. For sin is what condemns us under the Law, and I now live under Grace.
clarify: you do not dive into sin, but humans still sin. if you think you are sinless, then you are closer to God than Paul was. Will God hold it against us? not if we throw ourselves upon Jesus.

[christianfilmcrew]

Hmm, am I sinning less? Well probably not, because I'm becoming more and more sensitive to what sin is, and therefore while I have grown in understanding of my sin and have addressed areas of sin in my life, I am all too aware that I am learning more and more what things constitute sin...

Am I a more loving person, yes, am I learning to be a more loving person, yes. I don't think I'm really sinning less, because anything that I do that is unloving towards someone else is sin. I'm just becoming more sensitive to my sin, and hence the ratio of what I would consider sin compared to my loving actions tends to grow...

While I'm growing in love, I'm also growing in understanding where I sin through unloving behaviour.

[okiemommy26]

I have made some progress

[Izzy23]

I'm sure not the same person I use to be. God does wonderous works. I still have a long way to go, though. As others have said, it's struggling with the emotional vices that are harder but we'll get there -thru our Lord's help. :thumbsup:

[Neal]

I've made progress... it's mostly my outlook on life that has changed for the better... I know there's no condemnation, and that takes a great burden off of me. Plus, just knowing that sin is sin, it is not desirable... He's still got a few kinks to knock out of me, but He's getting there--giving me self-control and such.

[GodFlute2]

I can't say I'm sinless, but God has changed me, that's for sure.

[Zoomer]

I try to sin less but that is not what happens since I am a poor miserable sinner and will be to the day I die. But we all have the assurance that if "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

[SuperSmart]

I have made some prgress but I am still only 14 I have time to grow more in the Lord

[HotRhymez]

I've gotten worse...I just plain stink at religion. I can't act like a Christian, I always want to sin, I rarely pray or read the Bible. *sigh*

[k]

Had to put "Too young a Christian to know." When I first saw the question I was like, "Yeah, I don't sin as much!" Then I was convicted on the thought "Who am I to judge how much or little I sin? I am a sinner."

[sammipher]

I have made much progress

[belladonna]

I Have Made Some Progress And Continue To Make More Each Day.

[Genes!s]

I stopped smoking after smoking over a pack a day for 10 years. I stopped partying (alcohol and drug abuse) after abusing for 9 years. I no longer have a potty mouth, and immediately ask forgiveness when I let one slip. I have forgiven myself for my past, something I was unable to do until I became closer to God. I am no longer sarcastic or judgmental, but humble and forgiving. And I make an effort to please my husband and take good care of my children, regardless of how I feel. Before I got closer to God, and started to prepare for ministry, I couldn't get passed myself to help other people. There is LOTS more, but you get the idea. ;)

And that is not judgment, but an observation of the Lord working through me.

[cbalke]

it comes and goes...i know enough to know how little i know and now i know i don't know much about what i don't know.

like paul said, i could very well be the least of all the christians....

[Abiel]

Some progress- hard to quantify. Had nothing 'major' to overcome. Little naggy things instead.

[ajuran]

i really made progress - esp. outwardly. for others it often seems if i dont sin anymore. but inwardly there are still a lot of things god has to change. and as more as i spent time with him, i see that i´m not perfect at all. and propably will never be. so i made progress - but i have to move on still.

[Terie]

God has done great works in me. I give Him all the credit for the things I've "taken off."

Those of you who think you've gotten worse think about this. Maybe you aren't worse you're just more aware of the things you need to change. When we are in darkness we don't see the sin and now you're in the light and the Holy Spirit is exposing those areas that you need to work on.

God bless all of you where ever you are in your walk and never give up on yourself because God never will. :thumbsup:

[OrthoCanuck]

I have made some progress. Unfortunately, I have had to work on accepting the fact that I still fall into sins I thought I had put behind me. But that is what repentance is for.

[die2live]

I have made much progress as far as effort goes ... I'm really trying to do better. As far as actually doing it, I'm making some progress. Not as much as I should be.

[bill16652]

sin is always with us and we must ask forgiveness every day, i am doing much better but i find that i am more aware of sins i wouldnt have thought about

[Angeldove97]

I've been sinning alot less.... know alot better choices to make because I realize that following Jesus is important.... and I feel more regret when I do sin. There's alot more that I learned as well, but I think these are the main points. Also, I learned that Jesus really does have a wonderful purpose for my life. ^_^

[Raheelah]

i have made a bit of progress since starting at my new church, i am honest with the pastor because if i am not then he has the authority to deal with me accordingly and all i want is to settle down at a church and stop going around the church's and gaining a bad reputation, i no that all the lies i have told to church's in the past have caused alot of anguish, but am striving to change and walk with God. it is not easy but i hope i am making progress in that department. :) ;) :D :cool: :P :wave: :thumbsup: :amen: :clap: :hug: :preach: :prayer: :groupray: :bow: :angel:

[ConstanceB]

"Is it me, or is it Memorex?"

After (see Profile), I just wanted to stop breathing. Eventually, I sat up and looked around -- and by then I was on a billion meds, incapacitated by depression, troubled by fibromyalgia, in need of three surgeries for differing ailments, and a diabetic. Result: medical retirement. I spent the first year pacing & asking rapid-fire, "WhuttuIdoGod, whuttuIdo?" After much counseling, both secular and faith-based, I was on more meds than I could count. I felt & feel, if not numb, at the least dumb -- but have circled back in my faith, thankful for God's all-consuming love. Did you know that in OT Scripture, God was angry at His children because they did not "worship me in JOY"? That was a hard one for me! Before, my mind ran so fast (great for wit, bad for communing with God) I couldn't close my eyes and concentrate on prayer; alone much of the time now, I pray aloud. A LOT. When someone crosses my mind, I lift them in prayer. Sometimes, just a little petition ("Father, touch X right now." or "God, let X know that someone is thinking of them & blessing them") and if I'm anxious for them, I'll appeal to God to dispatch angels of protection or warrior angels to fight for them. I remember that Job sacrificed for the members of his family, in case they had done something wrong; I'll pray "on behalf of" -- typically, what's called "The Prayer of Jabez" or "The Lord's Prayer". I add to the prayers, visualizing the person at their job as I say "expand their territory," their emotional burdens with "lead them not into temptation" -- you get it. I add things, too, when I pray on my own behalf. My adapted Prayer of Jabez might go like this:
Oh, Father, bless me indeed! Expand my territory! Let me know your presence today; bring others in contact with me who might benefit from the gifts you've given me. May your hand be with me and on me, God. May your arms surround and support me; rest your cheek against the top of my head and hold me close like a baby, so that I know I'm not alone, that You are there protecting me from the enemy. Make level paths for my feet, and bless those paths. Let the right decisions come easily and reward me with the conviction that I'm walking with You. Keep me from evil and keep evil from me, that I may not cause pain and so I won't suffer pain, either. In the Name of Jesus, for the glory of God. Amen. (from I Chronicles 4:10). If I can't even get my mind together, I whine at the Holy Spirit, "You said you'd intervene for me & interpret my groanings to God. Take it from here." I can feel the love of God.

It's a funny thing: praying with every thought, I hardly have time for gossip, cursing, yelling, etc. What with singing worship songs (big inhalation, long controlled expulsion of breath) I don't need yoga.

I turn Scripture into prayers. (First you need to read the Bible, to find prayer models.) For instance, from (I Thess?): "Lord of peace, BE my peace, at all times and in every way." How amazing: not "Give me peace" ("is it here yet? huh? is it, is it?") but BE my peace!

Am I a "better" Christian now? I don't think so; Jesus tells us that if you break one commandment, it's as though you've broken them all. Thank God for the sacrifice of His son, whose blood washes away the sins of the world! Am I a more "blessed" Christian? Oh yeah! :angel: cb

[ysl_75]

I have improved by control my temper. I am a very bad temper person lastime. Praise the Lord! God has save me and bless me....

[Godslilgurlalways]

I will say I have progress as a christian I would say that all of it is about sinning the way I go through this, what I opick up on, how to deal with others and share with others what I know to help them going through with how they handle it:)

[handmaiden97]

that is a hard question...my life has drastically changed since I became a beleiver 8 years ago. However I am more aware of the little things in my life that are sin.

The greatest sin in my life before I was a beleiver was I was walkign with out God. Once I saw my need for a savior and surrended my life to Him He has begun to show me how, my attitudes, way I spend my time, even emotions stand between He and I.

Sometimes I feell I sin more as a beleiver, least ways I recognize my sins more

[Lake]

Poll didn't leave much open for other thoughts but,I can say that I've been born into Christianity and along the road of life I am making the progress to level up to Gods world.

[gal4God]

I have made some progress

[Followers4christ]

Yes I have made alot of progress as a Christian.Three years ago I was caught up in the gothic phase (I was a weak christian at the time) and wanted to do nothing but get into fights as well as going to a bunch of concerts that I should not have gone to such as Marilyn Manson,Black Sabbath,and Slipknot,but then I found a church I got involved with named Crossroads(in California).Not because I wanted to find a church but because they were giving away free soda and it was a good place to hang out with my friends.Little by little I started getting involved with the church and little by little I started to find God and what he expected from me.I felt God wanted me to become a pastor but I was not ready so I kept backing down and God put people in my life that needed help physically as well as spiritually that I could help.As I helped them I found out how good it felt to help those in need.
When I and my family left California and came to Idaho I found another church that I liked that was also named Crossroads.As I progressed in my spiritual journey I grew more in tune with what God expected of me.Instead of turning it down I listened and followed what God told me to do,it led me to where I am today.Today I am way more loving to my brothers and sisters as well as I am also a pro-life protester standing up for what I believe in.I also help all my brothers and sisters who need help physically as well as spiritually,I go door to door preaching to whoever will listen,as well as pray for people or with people who are in need.I have made drastic changes in my life since I found Christ.God Bless.

[LavenderMoon]

I have made some progress, and trying each day to live right and stay on the right path.

[diana_ch]

I've come a loooong way, and still joyfully on the journey to the Day we reach His perfect place... But man, what an adventure!!!!

[Kirkhaven]

I have made good progress, but it continues to be growing better with each day. I discover I sin less when I'm in the service of others, but when I'm alone, I have more difficulties.

[JeyJack]

Thanking God I have made much progress and I'm sure that God will help me to sin always less than I do