I am one of those strange people who enjoys performing under pressure. The only problem with that is, I often equate my worth with my performance, especially when it comes to my relationship with God. It’s hard for me to remember that He doesn’t love me for what I do or don’t do. He just loves me.
He’s had to remind me of this many times. “Kristi,” He’s said, “you already have My love and favor; you don’t have to earn that. It’s yours just because you are Mine. You’re My child; all I want is your love. Don’t worry about doing things for Me or making things happen. I’ve got you; just stay close, clean, and confident.”
Close. Clean. Confident.
I call these my three Cs, and I’ve realized that as a follower of Jesus Christ, I must commit daily to stay close, clean, and confident if I want to live a victorious life. You’ll need to do that too. Here’s how you can successfully apply the three Cs to your life.
Staying close to God requires daily acknowledgement of who He is. We draw close by reading God’s Word, meditating on His truths, and trusting Him and His promises (Philippians 4:6–7). We also do this by talking to Him about what’s going on in our lives. Fellowshipping with other believers helps too.
We draw close when we snuggle up to God and rest in Him. I like to envision myself leaning into Him like a child does with someone they love and trust. That’s how God wants us to come to Him. He invites us to grab hold, climb on His lap, snuggle close, and rest our heads on His chest.
Of course, that can be hard for some people to imagine, especially if they’ve never had the loving lap of a father to climb onto or a safe place to rest their heads. They’re afraid God will reject or hurt them like people have done. But He won’t.
Your heavenly Father is calling to you: “Come close, My child. Don’t be afraid.” He’s inviting you to come boldly to His throne of grace where you’ll find the help you need (Hebrew 4:16).
Unlike people, God won’t turn you away or scold you or point out your failures. His throne is one of grace, not condemnation, hate, anger, or rebuke. The Lord offers a safe place, and His arms are open wide, ready to receive you.
“Draw close to me,” He says, “and I will draw close to you” (James 4:8). This is your promise—what’s holding you back?
Staying clean is a daily decision too. We stay clean by keeping our thoughts pure and in line with God’s thoughts and by abstaining from gratifying the passions of our flesh (Philippians 4:8). We can’t live with one foot in the Word and one foot in the world.
It won’t be easy, but God will help you. The closer you draw to the Lord, the more strength you’ll have to keep yourself clean and set apart for Him. In His strength, you can move away from the polluting things of this world and walk in integrity. Studying His Word and walking in obedience will keep you clean too (Psalm 119:11). The pure in heart see God (Matthew 5:8), hear His voice, and receive His blessings.
Finally, there is the matter of being confident in who God is and who you are in Him. You are a child of God. You are created in His image; and God doesn’t make junk. Learn to trust Him and refuse to be shaken by what you see or hear.
Never forget that the God in you is greater than the evil of this world (1 John 4:4). He has promised to be with you and to strengthen, help, and hold you up (Isaiah 41:10). You can walk with your head held high—He says so (Leviticus 26:13).
If you are in Christ, no man, no circumstance, no power of hell can defeat you (Romans 8:31–39). That’s a promise you can hang on to.
