How do I "do better"?

It is hard to live a Christian life. It's so much easier to take the path of least resistance. The problem is, once we've taken the path of least resistance for so long, it's hard to get back on the right path.

Matt 7:13-14 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, those who find it are few."

 Fortunately, God has given us 2 things to help us along the way. If we don't neglect them we'll be able to "do better." The first thing that he has given us is GRACE.

What is grace anyway?

Grace is

the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues

Or... as Strongs Concordance describes it:

the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in life

I like to think of it this way... it's that small voice that you hear whispering in your ear that encourages you to do the right thing. It's the voice that we often ignore. The question is... what would happen if we listened to that voice when it encouraged us to follow our Christian values? Would it grow louder? Would we be able to recognize it more? If we ignore it, will it eventually go away or grow so faint that we won't be able to hear it?

In my life, I plan on striving to humble myself to God's grace in my life.

James 4:6-7 But He give us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this even tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it). So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.

 Note: We talked about being subject (a willing slave) to God yesterday... notice a trend?