Baptism

Reflecting My Life Choices After Making the Big Step of Publicly Declaring My Faith (The Baptism)

Romans 6:4 declares, “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Baptism is a public declaration that we have decided to follow Jesus.

But what does following Jesus mean?

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wants to follow Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.'" (Matthew 16:24, NKJV)

So in simple words “Following Jesus means prioritizing His will over personal desires, embracing challenges or sacrifices for His sake, and living according to His teachings.”

But how much we try to make an effort to learn what His desires and His teachings are so that we can prioritize them more than our own desires and make sacrifices too when necessary?

As Hosea 4:6 reminds us, "My people are destroyed by lack of knowledge." This verse challenges us to not only understand what God desires but also to act on that understanding. How well do you know God’s will for your life, and how do you apply that knowledge?

But how often do we take the time to consult His Word when making life choices?

Are we even aware of the instructions He’s given us on how to live?

Prayer and personal consultation with God are important, but His Word—where His commands are clearly laid out—is equally vital.

How often do we turn to it for guidance in making decisions, especially when it comes to purity, lifestyle changes, and taking up our cross daily to follow Him?

I also think that Baptism is a public confession like marriage vows that I do!! I am yours and you are mine! Today I choose to follow you and be one with you. Nothing of me matters and everything about you matters.

If this is also true for you then are you making sure that you are fulfilling your vows to your wonderful savior, mighty God, King of Kings? Your partner for life and beyond?

Following Jesus goes beyond mere belief—it’s about living out His teachings in every area of life.

Jesus Himself said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.”

Following Jesus requires a commitment to growing in faith, seeking holiness, and making choices that align with His will.

Following Jesus means we can’t live in ways that offend Him. As a jealous God, He desires our full devotion, and He won’t accept us being involved in anything that makes Him unholy.

Following Jesus also includes reflecting on the choices we make in relationships, our purity, and daily actions.

Have you ever paused to consider if your decisions are in line with the teachings of Jesus and if you are at least trying to fulfill your vows?

What I know about Jesus is that He is merciful, and He also understands our human struggles and our weakness. He knows we will fall, but He is always ready to forgive when we sincerely repent.

However, we must examine our hearts—are we knowingly continuing in sin, making choices that go against His will, or are we simply unaware of what His Word says?

Ignorance may be a factor, but if we make no effort to learn His commands, we risk falling into a pattern of disobedience. And if we are deliberately choosing the things that grieve His heart, we put our relationship with Him in jeopardy.

Some reminders to reflect on our life choices when choosing a partner.

Loving Jesus sometimes means making difficult choices. It may mean distancing ourselves from worldly relationships that don't align with His holiness. It may mean saying no to tempting offers that compromise our integrity and commitment to God’s will. This isn’t easy, but it’s part of choosing the love of Christ over the love of the world.

In light of baptism, you have been called to live a holy and set-apart life, as 1 Peter 1:16 says, “Be holy, because I am holy.” This includes your relationships. God has called you to be His own, to reflect His purity and righteousness in all areas of your life. The relationships you form—whether they are with friends, family, or a romantic partner—should be a reflection of this holiness.

Choosing to marry someone who does not share your faith, or entering into a live-in relationship with someone who doesn’t follow Christ, is not aligned with God’s will, no matter how wonderful that person may seem in other aspects.

1 Corinthians 7:39 states, “A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.” The foundation of a marriage is not just emotional or physical—it is spiritual. When two people are equally yoked in their love for Christ, they are more likely to build a relationship centered around God’s purposes, allowing them to encourage one another in faith, prayer, and growth in Christlikeness.

However, being in a relationship with someone who does not share that same foundation can lead to spiritual tension, disagreements on core beliefs, and a lack of unity in pursuing God’s plan. In 1 Peter 3:1-2, it says, “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.” This verse reflects the challenge of being unequally yoked and how it can create spiritual friction, even when there is love and respect between the couple.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice of a life partner is one that should be guided by God’s will, rooted in His Word, and reflective of the commitment we make in baptism. When we prioritize God's desires over personal preferences, our relationships, including romantic ones, should align with His holiness. Choosing a partner who shares the same faith and devotion to Christ will provide a strong foundation to build a life that honors God. Let’s not settle for anything less than His best for us—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

Reflecting on your life choices and relationships today:

• Are you honoring God in the partner you choose?

• Does your relationship reflect the purity and reverence God calls you to?

• Are you building a future together that encourages both of you to grow in faith?