As a Christian man growing ever so in my faith, I am learning more and more about the scriptures and what it takes to be a good Christian and what it means to grow closer to God and serve him faithfully.

There are plenty of things that I am just now learning about the Bible and why it is so important to serve him. When you accept Christ, the scriptures tell us, “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (Col 2:6-7).

True Christians need to continue to grow in their roots and when that happens, you will be able to withstand anything that would waver you. “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Here are five tips to grow closer to God or humble yourselves in this crazy world.

1. REMEMBER TO PRAY

As Christians, we need to pray daily, and the Bible tells us that (1. Thess. 5:16-18). When we pray, we are telling Jesus that we are thankful that he died on the cross for our sins, and we are grateful that the gift of salvation is free and available to us.

Prayer is the number one tool to connect to God, and if we do not use that tool we cut ourselves off from God and therefore, it is essential we keep that line of communication open with God at all times.

2. KEEP OURSELVES HUMBLE

In this crazy world, the word, the love and the laws of God are being tested with every day in every way possible. Every day we always have someone testing our patience, but if we stay humble, and not let anyone knock us off our pedestal, God will reward us (Eph. 4:2).

However, we all have those days that we get knocked off, and when we do, we just have to ask the Lord for forgiveness.

3. SURROUND OURSELVES WITH OTHER BELIEVERS

It is not easy being a Christian in 2018, as more and more people are falling away. However, if we surround ourselves with other believers (1. Cor 5:11, Psalm 1:1, Prov. 28:23, Prov. 27:6) we will find it easier to hold each other accountable and grow in the Lord.

If you are looking for friends who want to serve God, all you have to do is pray for God to send you that person that will hold you on the straight and narrow. This is a lonely walk, and that is why we must always stay prayed-up and allow God to remove our old friends and replace them with new ones.

4. FIND A CHURCH HOME AND PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES

The Bible tells us to not walk this walk without a church home if we can help it (Heb. 10:25). I understand that there are some who do not choose to attend church but know they are saved. Is there something wrong with not having a church home and being saved?

In my honest opinion, we all need somewhere to go to just serve and worship the Lord and someone who will ask us or persuade us to open our Bibles, so it is better to have a church home during this walk.

When we have a church home it is good to get involved in ministries and get to know some of your fellow members, this way you will have at least some people in your corner.

5. DON'T FEAR GOD

As some Christians, including myself, know that if we are not in our word and participate in sin, we are scared to go back to God as we are fearful he will not accept us. I am here to tell you that he is always there waiting for us to return (Rom. 8: 1-3).

Being that Jesus died for your sins, we no longer need to feel guilty and as long as we repent, God will be quick to forgive us. Once we repent, we can go back to God and he will give us the strength to overcome and give up our desires that will not please him.

Whether you are a believer already or want to believe, God is waiting with open arms to accept us back into the fold. If you do not believe in God and want to, he will rejoice in that as well as another soul has been saved from eternal damnation.

I hope this inspires someone and encourages someone to keep their relationship with God alive and in continued growth, you will not be disappointed.