"Love the LORD your God with all your heart (passions), and soul (prayers), and all your mind (intelligence)." Matthew 22:37.
I had my mentor ask me what my goal in life was. Hard question. Ask yourself what it would be for you. I said that I wanted to bring God glory through my life. Good answer. Text book answer. Here is what I do though. I see the goal in mind and do whatever I have to in order to accomplish the task. I play a great Christian. I have had people compliment me on my walk with God, that His light shines through me, etc, blah blah blah. How many times is that completely genuine on my part. I am a fabulous actor. I do not love. I am weak. I can do nothing on my own. I can't even become humble on my own. Quiet times are routine, Bible study is a check off the list. I am not love. Christ is not glorified in my life. You feeling the pain yet? You depressed that you can never be that awesome Christian you strive to be? Good. Let's start with the basic.
We do not become better Christians through our own ability. God shines though us brighter and more often not through our actions. He is great, powerful, loving, amazing to us and we respond to His goodness. Everything we do is simply a reaction to the Almighty. How do you react to God?
Here is a challenge for you...stop being a Christian, stop trying so hard. Put everything you know about living a "godly life" aside and do ONE THING.......
Love God. Respond accordingly to what He has done in your life. Tell me what happens. He is glorified and you are strong.