I really wish the Christian life was easy. I wish those preachers telling folks that following Christ leads to prosperity and ease were right. Sometimes bad theology can sound really good. The problem is that it’s wrong. Following hard after Christ is not easy. In fact, some days it can be insanely difficult. I can think of easier ways to live. I could readily enjoy what this world has to offer and relax a whole lot more. But this is not the calling of those of us who have chosen to devote our lives to Jesus. We aren’t committed to ease or wealth. We’re committed to reflecting the love of the One who gave His life so that we could live. Easy isn’t part of the equation, but love is.
Archives for October 2012
Simple Truth
Søren Kierkegaard once said, “The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly.” He’s absolutely correct. The Bible is very easy to understand. The question really is whether or not we want to hear what it has to say. With knowledge comes responsibility, and with responsibility comes obligation. If we know what the Word says, we are either compelled to obey it or reject it.
What’s Influencing You?
We become what we allow ourselves to consume. We become like those with whom we surround ourselves, and those we seek to emulate. Whether or not something influences us is not the correct question. Each of us is being influenced every day by something or someone. The only question we then have to ask ourselves is who or what is doing the influencing. Unless we are intentional about what we choose to allow into our hearts and minds, we will slip into a pattern of living that is not consistent with the person Christ created us to be.
What Drives You?
If we want to be fully devoted followers of Christ, we can have no motivation other than to continue His mission to bring the Kingdom of God to this earth. We can have dreams and goals, we can make plans and have fun, but if our ultimate aim is not to reflect His glory to a dying world, we will continue to miss the mark. Regardless of what you want to do with your life, if its sole purpose is not to obey and reflect God, you will never find peace and fulfillment. The question we all must ask ourselves is, “What are we living for”?
The Nudge of God
Obedience is a lightening rod of a word. We all want to obey God, to do everything He tells us to do. Intrinsically we all know that this is the only way to live a totally fulfilled life. When we walk contrary to His Word everything is, at best, a bit off. Aspiring disciples seek to follow Christ whatever the cost. Sometimes I think it’s easier to do this in the loud, noticeable ways then in the subtle, quiet activities. How many times have you ignored a simple prompting to help someone in need? It’s so easy to rationalize our way out of that scenario. It’s in these seemingly insignificant moments that Jesus refines our character and we build our obedience to Him.