The best proof that a person has a relationship with God is their life. When you know God intimately, it will be reflected in the way you live. Knowing God personally changes everything about your life. It changes your perspective, how you make decisions, and your actions. Ultimately, it will change who you become.

Matthew 7:17 says, “That every good tree bears good fruits, but the rotten tree bears bad fruits.” What tree are you?  Your external choices will reflect your internal values. If you say that you are a Christian then people should know by the way you live. You cannot fully know God and remain unchanged. If you profess to be a Christian and your life does not reflect Christian values then you may need to reevaluate your choices.

Knowing who God is personally changed my perspective on life especially in the area of relationships. For example, I don’t have to feel like I won’t get married. I don’t have to panic because other people are having babies and I feel behind. I don’t have to have those thoughts because I know that my God has a plan for my life. I know that the God who tells the ocean where to stop and the sand where to start is not concerned about how he will find me a husband. God has assigned him to me and appointed a time for us to meet.   

When you know God your method of decision making should be different from that of the world. Typically people that make decisions without God often rely on logic, and that isn’t always bad. However, when you know the God that knows everything he should be your primary resource when determining the best course of action. I try to pray about everything, even the little decisions such as whether or not participate in certain things, because some things may require a large amount of my time and if I am going to commit myself to anything it needs to be what God has called me to.

Ultimately knowing God should change your actions. People who feel that they can profess to love God and still live life on their own terms are mistaken. You cannot curse people out, steal from others, sleep around with every person and think that God is pleased. If this is you, know that God is a gracious God and he would love to help you make choices that honor him. God knows your heart, and whether or not you are genuine in your love for him. The fruit of your life is a good indicator of who you belong to. Allow your relationship with God to change your life so that what you believe on the inside is reflected on the outside. Be willing to change and allow God to transform you so that you can experience all that God has promised!

Your circle of friends is so important, because essentially they become your circle of influence. They are the people that know you best and will probably spend the greatest amount of time with you.  Often times we don’t realize how great the impact and influence our family and friends have on our lives. I have noticed that occasionally when I talk to people I leave more confused than when I came.  I realized that I need to stop talking to other people about my life, and if I do, I need to be led by the spirit.

Whenever you are seeking advice, the first person you should talk to is God. He is the only person that knows the end from the beginning. I have noticed that often times my friends want to give me helpful advice about dating, networking, buying a house etc. They often mean well, but more often they are issues they I should have discussed with God first. There are times when getting advice is acceptable; in fact, the bible encourages us to seek wise counsel.  However, we need to be careful about who we get that advice from and we need to filter that advice appropriately.

Things to consider:

1.       Do they have a relationship with God (a real one, not the one where they visit church occasionally and live however they choose the rest of the time)? If they do have a relationship with God, has he assigned or placed them in your life?

2.       How does there opinion measure up to the word of God? Oftentimes people mean well but there opinion is wrong. It may not necessarily be bad advice but if it is not what God told you specifically, or God has said something that directly contradicts what they are saying then it is wrong.  We cannot expect people to know the mind of God, especially those that don’t actually know God. Therefore the word should always be the standard.

3.       Are people telling their truth or God’s truth? We as a people have a habit of making our experience everyone else’s. So if it didn’t work a particular way for them, it won’t work for us either. Nothing could be further from the truth. God has a different and detailed plan for every one of our lives. Don’t limit yourself to the experiences of others. Trust God to do something new in you.

People and the world have a way of distorting things and making them different than the way they actually are.  When we listen to them and do not properly filter what is being said through God’s word (the bible) and God’s word to us we will begin to believe them. Don’t forsake the promises God has given you because of what someone else said. Seek the ultimate authority on your life, the one who created it!

What separates the ordinary from the extraordinary is the extra. What separates the good from the best is the willingness to go a little further. What separates the woman from the virtuous woman is the discipline to go the extra mile. Proverbs 31:10 says, “Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies.” I like to think of a virtuous woman as a woman that has been set apart.

In order to be that rare virtuous woman, something about you must be extraordinary. I believe that one of the ways we demonstrate that is by going the extra mile. Matthew 5:41 states, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” This scripture calls us to go above and beyond. Ordinary people will do what is asked of them. There are very few people that will make a personal sacrifice to do more than what is asked.

Going the extra mile for people demonstrates to God that he can trust you because he can use you to draw others to him. If you are willing to go beyond to help imperfect people how much more will you be willing to do for a perfect God? By going the extra mile for others you have obeyed one of Gods greatest commandments. “Love thy neighbor as thyself, there is no commandment greater than these,” Mark 12:31. When you are willing not just to help people, but to do more than they have asked of you they will take notice and be drawn to the God you serve because of who you are.

A heart of service is developed when you go the extra mile for others. When we help others we are like servants, because we put aside our will for another person. If and when you become a wife and a mother, it will require you to serve others constantly. The needs of your children and husband will be met only by you as the mom and wife. In order to be a virtuous woman and leader of your household you must be able to serve. In order to be a great servant you must be willing to go the extra mile.

As a Christian, God has called you to be light in a dark world. God has spotlighted you and chosen you to be an example to others. How can you stand out doing the bare minimum? How will people notice you and get to know the God in you if you do what everybody else does?  Sometimes going the extra mile is staying late at work to help someone else with a project that isn’t yours or maybe instead of just fixing your family dinner you also make their favorite dessert. Whatever it is, God has called you to excellence and he will reward you for it. God desires greatness for you and from you. How will you go the extra mile?