I’m thankful you made your commitment to Jesus Christ this summer, and I pray you will learn to follow Him the rest of your life. May you always “continue in your faith, established and firm” (Colossians 1:23).

Knowing your sins are forgiven and that you will go to Heaven when you die are great truths, made possible solely because of Jesus’ death and resurrection for us. But listen: God is just as concerned about our lives right now!

He wants to guide us and help us live pure lives, and He also wants to use us to help others and point them to Jesus. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. … Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16).

You see, the Bible says that when we first come to Jesus, we are like newborn babies—spiritual babies. Just as a baby needs food, so we need the “food” of God’s Word, the Bible. Just as a baby needs to learn to talk, so we need to learn to pray. And just as a baby needs to be helped and protected by others, so we need other believers to help and protect us.

Make God’s Word, and prayer and fellowship with other believers a part of your life every day. God wants you to become more and more like Jesus—and you will, as your faith grows stronger. The Bible says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8).