A Layman’s Guide to Walking With God
Who are you, really? In a world that defines us by what we do, it’s easy to forget that your true identity is not your job, your talents, or your achievements. As a believer, your identity is found in your relationship with God—first and foremost, you are a child of God. Everything else flows from that foundation.
Identity: Who You Are vs. What You Do
So often, people chase after success, approval, or possessions, hoping these things will tell them who they are. But being a true Christian means recognizing that our worth comes from being loved by God. He loves us not because of what we do, but simply because we are His. This love forms the basis of our authentic identity.
Our natural talents and spiritual gifts are important—not for our own glory, but as channels to share God’s love and mercy with others. When you know who you are in Him, serving others comes naturally; you become a reflection of God’s nature.
Imitating God’s Love
The most authentic Christians are those who actually resemble their Heavenly Father in love and character. Why do we love God? Because He loved us first. The more we grasp His love, the more we are able to love Him and others in return.
Dying to Self: Embracing Transformation
What does it mean to “die to yourself”? It’s about putting God’s will above our own desires and learning to identify with the sufferings of Jesus. Sometimes, this process goes even deeper—God may call us to another level of surrender, where we let go of ambitions or habits that hold us back. This isn’t easy, but real change—true transformation in our lives and even in our culture—happens when we walk closely with God and carry His presence wherever we go.
The Challenge of a Prophetic Lifestyle
Living in a way that reflects God’s heart—sometimes called a “prophetic lifestyle”—isn’t easy. It means prioritizing God’s voice over popular opinion, even if it’s uncomfortable. Our mission as believers is to lift up Jesus, making Him known and glorified in our everyday lives.
Practical Steps: Compassion, Wisdom, and Purity
· Cultivate Compassion: Let your heart be soft towards others. God’s love flows through those with compassionate hearts.
· Be Wise and Gentle: Jesus told us to be “shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves.” That means being smart and cautious, but also gentle and kind.
· Guard Your Heart and Eyes: What you let into your mind and heart shapes your soul. The Bible teaches that our eyes are like windows to our soul—let them focus on things that bring light, not darkness. Avoid the temptation to mix what’s right and wrong, as this leads to confusion, self-deception, and spiritual weakness.
The world often mocks the Church because of hypocrisy—when words and actions don’t align. God wants worship that comes from the heart, not just empty routines.
Dealing with Temptation and Vulnerability
Every gift from God comes with its own set of challenges. We all have areas where we’re vulnerable, and the enemy knows our weaknesses. Don’t try to live in two worlds—the spiritual and the fleshly. If you try to compromise or play with temptation, you risk falling into trouble. When wisdom isn’t guiding your gifts, the results can be drastic.
Instead, surrender your weaknesses to God. Those very places can become where God’s strength is most evident in your life. Remember, even those most anointed by God can face loneliness or struggle—but you’re never alone.
Maintaining Purity of Vision
Guard your eyes and what you allow yourself to see. Make a conscious commitment, like Job in the Bible, to keep your eyes—and your soul—focused on good things. When your vision is clear, your whole life is filled with light. But if you let darkness in, it can cloud every part of you.
Handling God’s Gifts
God sometimes gives gifts in ways that challenge us or even offend our expectations, because He wants to reveal the truth in our hearts. The gifts and callings He places on your life are permanent—they’re not taken back. But how you use them matters, and there are real consequences for your choices.
Conclusion: Living Authentically
Living as a follower of Jesus means more than just talking about it—it’s a call to align your heart, mind, and actions with God’s love and purposes. Let your life reflect His compassion, wisdom, and purity. Let your ambition be to know Christ, to make Him known, and to walk as a carrier of His presence in the world.
In every moment, remember: your true identity is in who you are as a child of God, not in what you do. Choose light over darkness, wisdom over folly, and let your life shine with authentic faith.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 