Christian Living

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October 28, 2011 – Only Living It Counts

19 For circumcision is nothing and counts for nothing, neither does uncircumcision, but [what counts is] keeping the commandments of God. – 1 Corinthians 7:19 AMP

Paul’s message here is very clear. Anything we do in an attempt to prove to the world that we are a Christian is of no consequence. The only thing that matters in our relationship with God is being obedient to His Word.
This is an area in our society where many Christians stumble. Some buy new Bibles and a Jesus fish for their car to show off their faith. Others give tons of time to their church, doing just about anything they are asked to do. Yet in all of this they fail to listen to God.
I wonder, now and again, if people give their time at church and buy Christian accessories because they feel it absolves them from living a life pleasing to God. They’re like Jekyll and Hyde: all smiles at church functions, but miserable and wretched creatures at work and home. Nowhere in the Word have I found that we should always put on a happy façade at church. Church should be a place where we can be ourselves, happy or miserable. It should be a refuge for the broken and weary, where hurting people come to heal. However, most of the time church is a social club where Christians assemble, pat each other on the back, and reflect on how much better they think they are than anyone else.
Trying to figure out why Christians behave in such ways is a very complex issue. On one hand, legalistic churches teach its members that they must maintain appearances and say only certain things at church. They offer uplifting sermons but never offer correction in love. And if you miss a Sunday service, you can forget it; more than likely, you been judged and condemned to hell by those who profess to love you.
This behavior is a major issue in church leaders. Over several generations, churches have tied themselves so close to God that people in leadership many times tie their members’ salvation to service inside church walls. Pastors have used a phrase like, “do this for God”, to ensnare countless victims over the years. Now I am not saying that none of us should help at church. I am saying that God will show us where to serve through prayer and not through the pleadings of a pastor. There is a big difference between being obedient to God and being manipulated by a minister.
Now manipulation should never be confused with confirmation. For example, let’s say that you feel led to serve in a children’s ministry. You are drawn to the children of your church or children in general and have been praying for God to open a door for you to serve Him in some capacity involving children. Your pastor then asks you about serving in the children’s ministry of your church. This is confirmation that needs no further prayer other than asking God to bless your work. You should never serve because there is a position open and they need a warm body to fill it. God will not bless what He has not called you to do, no matter who does the asking.
Another reason Christians try to do things rather than be obedient to Him is to fit in. Some join a church not to draw closer to God, but because they have friends and family there and have no Sunday morning commitments. They know about the Bible but don’t really live it. Then a pastor pops up and asks them to serve in a ministry position; this is done under the catch phrase “getting them connected” or “plugged in”. Without prayer they agree, thinking “Hey, I’m already here, why not? I don’t have anything else to do. Besides, the pastor said that it would please God, and if He is actually real, then that will help my cause when I die.” Often times these very people are in desperate need of discipleship and instead are thrown into a ministry position they are not ready to handle. The people in this boat need to understand that doing things does not ensure them a place in heaven. People can wear themselves out serving at church, but if they cannot live it in their own life, none of it matters.
My point today is this: only living it counts. Sure, we can do things for God. We can teach Sunday school. We can volunteer at a local orphanage. We can cook meals for needy families. We can even mow the grass at church. But if we don’t live out God’s Word every day of our lives, none of those things we do matter. Remember: doing it without living it is nothing, but living it IS everything.

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