Jesus Changes Everything

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13-14)

The biggest impact on my focus for lasting transformation and increasing joy came when I truly met Jesus in the pages of Scripture and allowed the Holy Spirit to direct my focus. I’ve technically been a Christian my whole life, but it took almost 30 years for my faith to become a significant driving force and for me to truly become spiritually healthy.

This doesn’t mean my faith didn’t impact my life before that point. However, when I finally realized and admitted my utter dependence upon Christ and the need for the Holy Spirit to work in me for a joyful reality, my faith became so much more than mere fire insurance.

Jesus wants us to be spiritually healthy. He wants to increase the focus of our lives continually more toward God. He doesn’t force himself on us, though. The Holy Spirit doesn’t force its way in as the director of our focus either. We must let him change how we think — which changes our focus, which changes our reality — if we are to become spiritually healthy.

Spiritually Healthy Habits

Being led by the Holy Spirit involves many activities we already know to be spiritually beneficial. In other words, letting Christ lead us simply means doing that which the Bible says are necessary habits for increasing spiritual health.

  1. Don’t neglect the basics. Keeping a consistent routine of Bible study, prayer, and worship proves immensely beneficial. The basics keep us strong for the unexpected life inevitably handed us.
  2. Try simple & minimal. Take this approach with every aspect of life from schedules to clothing. Allow yourself the mental space to enjoy the people in your life by keeping the material aspects as simple as possible.
  3. Pay attention to physical health. While indulging feels good in the moment, the consequences usually outweigh any momentary, immediate pleasure. Consider the long-term impact of choices prior to making them.
  4. Make relationships a priority. Choose relationships over doing and going and accomplishing and impressing whenever possible.

Deliberately considering what I allow to direct my focus, the thoughts I allow to dwell in my spirit, helps me make choices that lead to a positive and joy-filled life. As I do so and as I keep to these habits, living spiritually healthy becomes a more natural part of who I am.

Establish your focus on the only person able to align all you are with truth, light and hope. Let Jesus continually and increasingly direct your focus and shape your reality. This is the only way to become and stay spiritually healthy.