Saturday, January 14, 2012

Truly Being a Christian

From March 27, 2011

It’s great to preach of the power of God and the great things He can do in our lives - how He can turn it completely around, provide healing, heap blessing on us, etc.  I mean, it’s wonderful, uplifting true stuff.  But sometimes I feel like that’s all we preach about or focus on.  And that message is missing an important part - I think there needs to be an equal focus…heck, with the way our world is today, probably a bigger focus on what we are to do to live our lives right for God.

I think we compromise so much when it comes to the true word of God.  A lot of times we have no time boasting the power of God, how much He loves and blesses us, but then we turn around and live a life that does not glorify Him.  And it’s a little disconcerting when churches seem to focus on what God can do for us but don’t ever really delve into what we’re supposed to do for God.  Though all we have to do is believe in Jesus Christ to be saved, are we really true followers of Christ if we stop it right there?  What about constantly striving to live a life glorifying to Jesus - embodying the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control) and remembering that our bodies are a temple of God, thus meaning we should abstain from sexual immorality, intoxication, and anything that does not glorify God (so crass jokes and swear words, even).

And I realize that mistakes happen, and we’re not perfect and God loves us regardless, but I feel sometimes we don’t even try to live right for God, but rather just figure we have a free pass because we’re believers.  I really don’t think that’s how it works, though, and what do non-believers think we say we’re Christians, yet live a life just like them?  Why would they even bother deciding to follow Christ if they see no difference between their lives and ours?

This is kind of jumbled, I realize.  I don’t know how much sense it makes haha But it’s been on my mind a lot and I decided to write about it now after seeing something.  It’s just like there’s a plethora of people always saying “Keep the faith! Trust God!  He’ll bless you!” but I feel like no one’s calling us out our crap and tell us to get our act together.  Because I believe to achieve the best walk with God, it’s not just about believing in Him, but also following His commandments.  We’re not justified by the law, but if we really love Him, then wouldn’t we want to do what He says and live our lives in a way that glorifies Him instead of living just like everyone else?

I don’t know if this will be controversial or not.  But I mean, just how I feel.

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