Wendell Winkler
(Editor’s note: This is not just for those who have recently been baptized but this is for all who have been baptized. Sometimes we forget what we are to do after being baptized and need to reminded of what to do. Let this article remind us of what to do.)
I AM TO WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE. Being “buried with him by baptism into death… even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4). The man who has been born of God does not commit (continue living that old life of) sin characteristic of him before conversion (1 John 3:9; Rom. 6:1-2). Such obtains on the basis of his genuine repentance (2 Cor. 7:10; Heb 6:1).
I AM TO DESIRE THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD. “As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). This means I will study (2 Tim. 2:15), and meditate upon (1 Tim. 4:15) God’s eternal Word.
I AM TO BRING GLORY TO THE NAME OF CHRIST. Though I may suffer as a Christian I am to glorify God in this name (1 Peter 4:16). I am to never so live as to bring shame upon this high and holy name. Alexander the great conquered the world and wept because there was no more to conquer. But, he had a coward, with his name, within his ranks. Alexander called this man into his presence one day and sternly said, “You change your way of living or you change your name!” We wear the name of Christ (Christians). We should live worthily of it. Otherwise, let us not hypocritically thus be identified!
I AM TO CONTINUE STEADFASTLY. Of those who were baptized on Pentecost it is written, “And they continued steadfastly…” (Acts 2:42). I am to be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). I am not to be in and out, on and off, up and down, and hot and cold spasmodic, irregular, hit and miss in the Lord’s work. Inconsistent living will not get the job done.
I AM TO SEEK THOSE THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE. “If ye then be risen (referring back to having been raised from out burial with Christ in baptism, Col 2:12) with Christ seek those things which are above…set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2). The Christian interest and affections are not only to run horizontal but vertical! Our Father is in Heaven (Matt. 6:9). Our citizenship is in Heaven (Phil. 3:20). Our inheritance is in Heaven (1 Peter 1:4). Our names are written in Heaven (Heb. 12:23). Our treasures are in Heaven (Matt. 6:19-21). Truly, then, we are to seek those things that are above, setting our affection on things above.
I AM TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT THE SAVIOR. Immediately upon his conversion Paul shared Christ with others (Acts 9:20). Upon finding Christ Andrew and Phillip told Peter and Nathaniel (John 1:40-51). We have been won to win, saved to save, converted to convert, discipled to disciple. “And the things that thou hast heard among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also (2 Tim 2:2).
Love, Keith
