Renew your commitment to Christ

Introduction to the Devout Life
Part Five
(Tresphord, Fernardo, Suwan and Matthew)

HOW TO RENEW AND PRESERVE YOUR COMMITMENT TO CHRIST

St. Francis de Sales suggests some exercises that are directed toward a renewal and strengthening of our commitment to Christ because he knows our human nature. These helpful exercises include:

• Find ample and conducive time for personal renewal either recollection or a retreat or even one afternoon.

• Choose a suitable place where you are not distracted from other activities just to be in the presence of God.

• Speak to the Lord about your daily life.

• To spend a reasonable amount of time reflecting on or talking to God about the three loves in your life: Love of God as a foundation of committed life and relationship with God. You cannot really love others unless you love yourself. Self love is a virtue and in it we embrace oneness in ourselves. If you prompt love of God and self, then bring forth the work of your hands in the service of your neighbor, which is love for others. Always speak well about them. To be in harmony (in communion) with everything here on earth.

• Speak about your fear of and hatred for anything that could lessen your Christ-commitment. Remember to ask for forgiveness when you go astray from the love of God and from your neighbors.

St. Francis de Sales gives us five reflections for renewal:

• To have a mind which can reach up toward God, and a will which can embrace Him - Heart made for God and created in his own image and likeness (Your own nobility and excellence of your soul).

• The beauty of a Good life. How beautiful, delightful and gentile is the devout life which lightens our trails and adds sweetness to our consolation.

• The Good Examples of Holy Saints, Martyrs and people around us in this world are a stimulus to personal reform and renewal.

• God dwells within us. His desire to personalize His love for each of us is what prompted the Eternal Word to come down from his heavenly throne and take upon himself a human nature.

• God’s eternal love for us because God loved us before we existed. “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

Conclusion.

We need to be honest and frank to others about our commitments to Christ and our resolves to live that commitment. Never be pushy or obnoxious or be discouraged in life. Lastly, to be thankful to God for all that he is to us and put our trust in Him. Be a personal of prayer.

VIVE JESUS, to whom with the Father and Holy Spirit, be honour and glory, now and forever and ever. Amen.

Submitted by Tres