In the darkest moments of human history, a beacon of hope and forgiveness shone brightly from an unlikely place—a Roman cross. As we approach Easter, it’s fitting to reflect on the profound words spoken by Jesus during His crucifixion, particularly His first utterance: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What now?” after accepting Christ as your Savior? You’re not alone. Many believers experience stagnation in their faith journey, struggling to move beyond the initial moment of salvation. But the Gospel demands more from us—it calls us to action, to go forth and make disciples. So how do we bridge the gap between the Gospel’s demands and our daily lives?

Life is often compared to a race, but have you ever considered your spiritual journey as one? Whether you’re a devoted believer or someone still exploring faith, we’re all participants in this profound spiritual marathon. The Bible, particularly in the book of Hebrews, offers us a compelling metaphor of faith as a race that we must run with perseverance and purpose.

In our journey of faith, we often focus on our actions and behaviors, but how much attention do we pay to our thoughts? The mind is a powerful battleground where our spiritual fate can be decided. What’s feeding our thoughts today? Are we intentionally preparing our hearts and minds for Christ’s return, or are we allowing harmful influences to take up residence in our thoughts?

Ask yourself: what does it really mean to be a Christian? How can we ensure that we’re not just going through the motions, but truly living out our faith in a way that aligns with Jesus’ teachings?

As William J. Toms wisely said, “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.” Our commitment to following God’s ways isn’t just about our personal relationship with Him; it impacts everyone in our sphere of influence.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: If we claim to have met Jesus, yet have no desire to commit to His ways or to see His Kingdom established, we need to seriously examine the authenticity of our encounter. True encounters with Christ always bring change. It may not be instantaneous or dramatic, but there will be a shift in our priorities, our desires, and our actions.

What’s the point of devoting our lives to God when it doesn’t seem to make a difference? This question strikes at the heart of our faith journey. How often have we wondered if our devotion truly matters? In a world that often seems to reward the wicked and ignore the righteous, it’s easy to become discouraged. But the scripture offers a profound response to this doubt.

The key lies in understanding that money itself is neutral—it’s our heart’s attitude toward it that matters. Wealth can be a powerful tool for good when it leads to sacrifice and generosity. It can also be a dangerous idol if it becomes our primary focus and source of security.

It’s not fair that Jesus would take all our failings and flaws. It’s not fair that He would face the full fury of God’s justice in our place. It’s not fair that He would give us His purity and righteousness when we don’t deserve them. But this unfairness is the very heart of God’s love for us. God’s grace is unfair in our favor.