Christian Upgrade

Tag: christianity

  • Aligning with His [God’s] standards

    When it comes to aligning with God’s standards, many people tend to picture Christianity as a rigid rulebook. Honestly, that perception couldn’t be further from the truth. Think about it—whenever we buy a new appliance, assemble furniture, or head to a destination we’ve never been to, we rely on some kind of guide, right? Whether it’s a manual, a set of instructions, or even GPS directions, we use these tools to ensure everything works as it should. Life isn’t so different. And the Bible? It’s not just a collection of rules but a life manual—a foundation for living well, thriving, and being spiritually sound.

    When you look at it this way, aligning with God’s standards isn’t about following a checklist. It’s about living in agreement with His character and purpose. It’s about growing, being transformed, and leaning into His grace every step of the way. So, how do we do that? Let’s break it down…

    First and foremost, everything starts with Jesus. A real relationship with Him is the foundation. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). When we acknowledge our need for Him, repent of our mistakes, and commit to following Him, we’re stepping into the life God designed for us.

    Next, there’s the Bible. It’s not just a book—it’s God’s Word, meant to guide, teach, and inspire us. Spending time in Scripture helps us understand what God values and how we can align our lives with those values. As Psalm 119:105 puts it, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” It’s like having a flashlight on a dark trail, showing us where to go.

    But here’s the thing: it’s not just about what we do outwardly; it’s about changing the way we think. Romans 12:2 encourages us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This means filtering our thoughts, habits, and decisions through God’s truth rather than the patterns of the world. It’s a shift in perspective, focusing on what’s good, pure, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).

    Of course, none of this is possible without the Holy Spirit. He’s like the engine powering our journey, helping us walk in step with God’s desires. Galatians 5:16 puts it plainly: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” By relying on the Spirit, we gain the strength to live out God’s standards authentically.

    At the core of everything is love and holiness. God calls us to reflect His love in our relationships and pursue a life that honors Him. Jesus summarized it perfectly when He said to love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Living this way brings joy and meaning not just to us but to those around us.

    And let’s not forget humility. We all stumble, but God’s grace is big enough to cover our shortcomings. Admitting when we’re wrong and seeking forgiveness keeps us grounded and aligned with His will. As 1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.”

    As we align with God’s standards, we also learn to trust His plans over our own. Life isn’t always easy, and trials will come, but those moments refine us and make us stronger. James 1:2-4 even tells us to consider trials as opportunities for growth. Hard as it may be, trusting God during tough times helps us become more like Him.

    Finally, we can’t do this journey alone. Surrounding ourselves with a supportive community—a church, a small group, or even just a few godly friends—keeps us encouraged and accountable. Proverbs 27:17 puts it beautifully: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

    In the end, aligning with God’s standards isn’t about being perfect. It’s about a daily surrender to His love and guidance. It’s about learning, growing, and relying on His strength to live a life that reflects Him. And when we do, we discover a life filled with purpose, peace, and fulfillment.

    I’m here for that ride. Are you?

    Thanks for reading.

    Anns

  • Understanding Spirit, Soul, and Body: A Faith Perspective

    Every day this year, I’ve been trying to learn something new. During one of my devotional times with God, I stumbled across something fascinating about acacia wood. Ever heard of chatoyance? I hadn’t either, but it turns out to be this incredible property in wood that grows under stress. It creates an effect where the wood seems to shift colors and shine differently depending on the light and angle, almost like it has hidden layers of beauty. When polished or darkened, it becomes even more striking.

    That got me thinking. What about us? When we grow through stress, could the light of God shining on us reveal something just as beautiful—something multidimensional and intricate, like the way He designed us to reflect His image?

    The Bible gives us a clue about our structure. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, it says:

    “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

    It’s clear we’re made up of three parts: spirit, soul, and body. Let’s unpack what that means.

    The spirit is like the core of who we are. It’s the part of us that connects directly with God. Think about it: God breathed life into Adam, and that same breath, His Spirit, lives in us (Genesis 2:7). When we die, our spirit goes back to Him (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Living with that awareness isn’t some mystical idea; it’s how we’re designed. Keeping God at the center of our lives—worshipping Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24)—is what keeps that connection alive.

    Then there’s the soul. This is where your personality, thoughts, emotions, and decisions all come together. It’s the part of you that makes choices, loves deeply, and feels the highs and lows of life. God calls us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). But just like any relationship, our soul needs care. It’s why David says in Psalm 23:3, “He restores my soul.” Let God do that work in you, renewing and strengthening this part of your being.

    And finally, we have the body. This is the physical side of us, the way we interact with the world around us. But it’s not just a shell—it’s a temple for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). That’s a big deal! Taking care of your body isn’t just about health; it’s about honoring God with what He’s given you. Whether it’s watching your thoughts, actions, or habits, how you treat your body reflects your gratitude to Him.

    When you put it all together—spirit, soul, and body—it’s like seeing the full picture of who God created us to be. Just like the acacia wood under stress, our lives can reflect a unique beauty when God’s light shines on us. He made us for a purpose: to glorify Him, care for His creation, and build relationships with Him and others.

    So, how’s your “operating system” doing? Are you taking care of your spirit, soul, and body? Maybe today is a good day to pause and check in with yourself.

    Start small. Take five minutes to pray or reflect. Go for a walk or do something kind for your body. Write down one thing you’re grateful for or open your Bible and read a Psalm. These little steps can make a big difference.

    God designed you with so much care and intention. Let’s lean into that, grow through the stress, and let His light bring out the beauty He’s placed in us.

    Looking forward to continuing this conversation with you in the next blog!

    Blessings,
    Anns

  • 5 Essential Steps to Recover from Mistakes

    So, I was helping my sister cook for a 50th birthday party in our kitchen. I’ll be honest, I am not the greatest cook but I am good at following step by step instructions. My sister had designed a delectable dessert menu for a friends party and my whole job was to basically cut and prepare various fruits for some yummy food she was putting together. Sounds simple, right? Well, a lesson I learned today was that a lot can go wrong even with the simplest of things. For instance, one task was just to pit a bag full of cherries. All I had to do was use the pitting tool and pop the seed out of each cherry. By the time I had gotten through the bag, my dining table looked like a homicide scene from CSI. The cherry juice was everywhere including all over me! Don’t get me started on me scooping the watermelon balls for the fruit kebab sticks!

    You might not see the error of my ways, but across the day, there were plenty of mistakes made. Life happens, and sometimes, we make mistakes. But it got me thinking about how we respond that makes all the difference. I could have got frustrated and chucked a tantrum at my lack of skills or at the mess I had made. Instead, I decided to turn on my favourite Spotify playlist, stand up and dance to some tunes as I made more mess.

    Although, that approach is not really helpful outside of the home, it did teach me a few things about how to correct things when you’ve messed up (that doesn’t necessarily involve cooking). Here’s my thoughts:

    1. Acknowledge the Mistake Honestly

    Denying or justifying mistakes only delays healing. Start by admitting what went wrong. It’s a sign of maturity and integrity to say, “I messed up, and I take responsibility.”
    💡 Example: If you forgot a loved one’s birthday, own it instead of making excuses.
    📖 Bible Verse: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9

    2. Apologize with Sincerity

    There’s nothing worse than when someone apologies for the sake of it or without genuine empathy. A sincere apology shows you care about the relationship, not just clearing your conscience. Use empathetic language that reflects understanding of the hurt or frustration you may have caused.
    💡 Example: Saying, “I’m truly sorry I hurt you by not keeping my promise,” is far more meaningful than a simple “Sorry.”
    📖 Bible Verse: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1

    3. Make Things Right

    Action speaks louder than words. Ask, “How can I make this right?” and follow through with tangible steps to fix the issue.
    💡 Example: If you missed a work deadline, offer to stay late or work extra hours to complete the project.
    📖 Bible Verse: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4

    4. Learn the Lesson

    Every mistake carries a lesson. Reflect on what went wrong and implement changes to avoid repeating it. Growth transforms failure into a stepping stone.
    💡 Example: If you overspent on your budget, create a financial plan to track expenses moving forward.
    📖 Bible Verse: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

    5. Extend Grace to Yourself

    Beating yourself up won’t help you or anyone else. Accept God’s grace and move forward. Mistakes don’t define you; how you recover does.
    💡 Example: After an argument, pray for wisdom and peace to approach the person again with love and understanding.
    📖 Bible Verse: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9


    Just because you’ve messed up, doesn’t mean your life is over. Yes, there might be consequences to your mistake. But mistakes are opportunities for growth, not the end of the story. With honesty, humility, and God’s guidance, you can turn any setback into a comeback.

    Take care, Anns