You have a choice to make. It is one that needs to be made on a daily basis. The choice that is in front of you is this, are you going to follow a counterfeit faith or follow authentic faith? There is a big difference between the two. You can read about these differences in 2 Timothy 3.
One group can be given the title, I Got The Power, while the other can be called, I Need Jesus. The first group lives horizontally while the latter group lives vertically. A horizontal lifestyle juggles everything in their life in their own strength and wisdom. They rely on themselves. God may get a place on their imaginary line of boxes of faith, work, family, hobbies, etc. They go from one box to another as they go about their day.
The vertical lifestyle has Jesus on top, and everything in their life is prioritized under Him. If you are married, your relationship with your spouse comes after Christ. Then the relationship with your children and family come next. Work, church/ministry, hobbies come under family. A true believer relies on Jesus for everything. He is dependent on Christ to lead him in loving and serving in the other areas of his life.
Horizontal living is focused on goals, achievements, and productivity. Vertical living is focused on relationships. The relationship with Jesus is the utmost important for you realize that you are truly not successful without Him. Under His authority, Jesus helps you to truly love your spouse, children, family, co-workers, neighbors, and your brothers and sisters in Christ.
While horizontal believers act religiously, they reject the power that could make them godly; see verse 5. For vertical believers, they understand that their power comes from Jesus, and they rely on Him. They know the truth and they follow the examples of how Jesus lived His life as well as how the disciples and apostles like Paul lived. You have understanding that God has chosen you and given you purpose, and you live it out with the Holy Spirit leading you forward.
You will be known by your faith, patience, love, and endurance; and even persecution. But, the Lord will rescue you from all of it; see verses 10-11.
A vertical believer is to remain faithful. You are called to know the truth; know the Scriptures. You are given wisdom to receive your salvation that comes from trusting Christ. Use the eternal wisdom that God gives and do the good work for His Kingdom. Jesus will equip you and prepare you for what He wants you to do.
If you find yourself more like a horizontal believer, there is hope. Ask God to help you to live vertically. Repent from your self-reliant ways and depend on the Lord Jesus Christ. Let Him change your heart and become alive in Christ. God wonderfully and graciously takes you from living horizontally to vertically where His presence becomes your witness in everything you do.
Your “I Need Jesus” banner becomes your calling card where you can help others to walk upright along with you.
Carol J German 