You ain't workin' til you start sweatin'

I think that one of the more important things I have learned in my time as a new Christian is that you have to work at it. In one sense, simply true belief is all you need to be saved. But if one is not compelled to really live and breath a Christian life then they really don't believe in the first place. I think this is because if you actually believe in God and that Christ died for our sins and all that is taught in the bible then clearly one would try to live those things as best they can. This is why i think the saved through faith alone or with good works as well is a misnomer, because good works are essential proof of true belief.

In any case, my main point is that living a life devoted to God is difficult. If you think of it, if it was easy then everyone would do it and Jesus probably wouldn't have had to visit all those years ago. Not to say that tremendous good doesn't come from a live in Christ, but one must find the constant temptations and distractions that draw us away from holiness. This is why I think it is critical that one sets aside time each day to God, or tries their best to, which is necessary especially early in your Christian life when it is easy to lose thoughts of proper actions and worship. Ideally as you grow in your spiritual walk this time devoted to God should consume your very being, so that every thought, action, and word is done in His glory. But for myself and my other new believers, we need to start small.

In terms of what to do with this time and how long it should be is something I cannot really answer, but I would think 30 minutes to start, which can consist of prayer, reading scripture or other Christian works, listening to worship songs, fellowship with other Christians even, although I think personal devotion should be its own time ideally. I am not being to preach or tell, but just to say what keeps me close to God, for indeed when I get lazy about devoting time to God I tend to see my faith weaken.

So hopefully what I say is meaningful and any tips or suggestions are gladly welcomed.