I am still learning, for the Christian life is one of constant growth.

Do others see something of Christ in your life? Do they see a “family resemblance” to Him by the way you live?

God’s goal isn’t just to remove the bad things in our lives; He wants to replace them with good things. His plan is to remake us from within, by His Holy Spirit.

What do others see when they look at your life? What do those who know you best say about you—your spouse, your children, your friends, your coworkers? Do they see inconsistencies in any area of your life—money, relationships, speech, possessions?

The light of God’s presence in our lives is a purifying flame that will draw us near to Him.

[We] are not here by chance or by accident; God put us on this journey called life. We came from Him, and our greatest joy will come from giving ourselves back to Him and learning to walk with Him every day until we return to Him.

An architect draws the plans for a new building—but it still has to be built. A composer writes a new piece of music—but it still has to be played. A chef devises a new recipe—but the ingredients still have to be cooked. In the same way, God has given us a blueprint for living—but we must know what it is and then put it into action.

Why are our inner lives so important? One reason is because our thoughts determine our actions.

We need to know what the Bible teaches about right and wrong. Every day we are battered by messages—from the media, advertising, entertainment, celebrities, even our friends—with one underlying theme: “Live for yourself.