We cannot be sort of Christians. Jesus says you are either with him or you are against him. And if you are with him, then you are doing his work in the world. You are worshiping only him, and no other priority comes first. Not people, not money, not things. Not even great and wonderful goals or charity.
If we are not living by his commands we are walking with the evil one and are not on the path, the way, Jesus taught us. Jesus knows this. The evil one knows this. The only person we have fooled is ourselves.
And we continue toward our destruction.
As children of God, we were made to have the Holy Spirit inside us. To be guided by him. To focus on the teachings of Christ and open our hearts to the Holy Spirit to guide us to the Father and eternal life in heaven.
It’s often the case that when someone has heard the call to repent and removed all distractions and has every intention of living a better life focused on good things. They struggle. And even fail.
They have renounced greed and anger and selfishness. They focus on helping others even.
But they have not made a good confession and then invited the Holy Spirit into their hearts and soul.
They perform good works for the sake of good works or for their own pride.
The successful follower will do everything for Jesus Christ. Their goal is to share the good news and love of Christ with others. To be Christ to others. All is formed around Jesus and for Jesus.
We pray for the Holy Spirit to enter into our world, and we strive to make all decisions based on his guidance.
When we do good works or even turn away from sin but have not taken steps toward confession and asked the Holy Spirit to reside in us, we are empty vessels and we may be at a dangerous situation where the attacks on our souls is great. Evil spirits are no threat to a faith filled follower for the Holy Spirit dwells within. But those who have no Spirit within them are vulnerable to be influenced by the dark side.
We are called to love God with all our strength and mind and soul, and to love others as ourselves. We are called to prayer, to study his Word, and to make all decisions based on the light of Christ. To do otherwise is dangerous.
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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