When informed of a medical problem that will take one's life if left untreated, we ask in all seriousness, "what can be done to regain my health?" and expect a reply, if one can be given, that adequately addresses my deep concern.

How much more significant should be the spiritual question, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 2:37; 16:30), as well as the response to that query. Since no question is more serious we want to suggest some answers that are found in this statement: "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments," (Ps. 119:59-60). What must I do to be saved?

I must think. Jesus' constant question was "What think ye...?" (Matt. 17:25; 18:12, etc.) No one with their mind in neutral can be saved, nor can one who refuses to think soberly about this life and what happens after death (Heb. 10:31). The ability to reason is one of the chief traits that distinquishes us from baboons. Don't squander this remarkable ability and cause the brain to become a vestigial organ.

I must think about my ways, or my manner of life, for judgement based on our deeds is sure (2Cor. 5:10; Heb. 9:27) and the life of indulgence (Eph. 2:3) and/or rebellion (2 Thess. 1:8-9; Rom. 2:8-9) will be dealt with.

I must think about my ways, not those of others. Posing hypothetical scenarios about someone else (Lk. 13:23) will not help to answer, "What must I do...?" Regardless of who in my family hasn't obeyed, or who in China hasn't heard the gospel, if I am lost and I have heard the gospel, I must obey.

I must turn my feet, which means I must alter my conduct. My life is not intended to be the same after giving it to Christ. Some will think us strange (1 Pet. 4:4) but our Saviour will confess us before the Father (Matt. 10:32). But before the change of life must come a change of heart. Putting on the "new man" must be preceded by being "renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Eph. 4:23-24) and if I expect to "be not fashioned according to this world" I must be "transformed" by the renewing of my mind (Rom. 12:1-2). A change of life without a change of heart amounts to nothing.

I must turn my feet unto God's testimonies, not to God's testimonies plus some human creed or alleged latter-day revelation which adds to or removes vital truths (Gal. 1:8-9; Rev. 22:18-19). His truth alone---whatever it requires of us---can make and keep our way pure (Ps. 119:9).

I must make haste and not delay to keep God's will. The Devil doesn't care how much we think, what we think about or how determined we are to turn our feet to doing God's will.....just as long as he can get us to put off doing anything about it. The "convenient season" (Acts 24:25), when things are just as we want them to be, will never come. Procrastination makes it harder to do our duty, hardens our hearts and makes obedience seem less important. "Now" is the only convenient season we may ever have (2 Cor. 6:2) and "now" is when we need to do something.

What must I do to be saved? The man after God's own heart had the answer long ago. As we look deep within our souls may we have the courage to respond as he did.