Tag: Faith

  • What should a Christian lifestyle look like?

    Luxury car parked in front of mansion

    There is a school of Christian thought out there that teaches that  being a Christian is a guaranteed path to health, wealth, happiness, and success. They use a variety of proof texts (often out of context) to “prove” their points and pass the blame on to you for not having enough faith if it does not work. 

    This is unbiblical teaching. It is a lie straight from the pit of hell, and it smells like smoke.

    For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV

    Now, do not misunderstand me. God still heals today when it is in accordance with his will. There is joy in being a Christian (although not always what the world calls “happiness). For some people, God’s plan includes wealth and what the world would consider success. Yet none of that is guaranteed, and the fact that you may or may not have those things is not a measure of your faith.

    Being a Christian may bring trials. There will be times of walking in the desert. 

    Believers are called to give sacrificially and love people they do not like. We are called to be bearers of truth even when the truth is unpopular. It is a counter-cultural lifestyle that has little to do with “self” and self-aggrandizement. It has everything to do with our relationship with God and others.

    What should a Christian’s walk be like? To what aims should they be aspiring?

    Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:9-21 ESV

    That kind of life will bring a deeper joy than the superficial happiness of financial wealth and worldly success.

    Being a Christian is not a plan for ease. It is a plan for personal and spiritual growth. It is a way of life that puts others ahead of you.

    If it is not all ease and prosperity, why do we pursue it? Simply put, a personal relationship with Jesus is better than everything the world offers. That relationship will continue even beyond death. It will still be there when this earth is long gone. 

    Ironically, in pursuing a life of meeting the needs of others through Christ, you will come to your full potential and have your own needs met in ways you cannot imagine.

    Until next time, may you pursue the love of Christ and allow Him to envelop you.

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

    Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.

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  • Chit Chat and True Fellowship

    a group of coworkers chatting

    Now that we’ve gathered together let us make some  mindless small talk and share some superficial chitchat.

    “How are you?” “Fine, and you?” “Fine, thanks.” “How about the weather we have been having?” “Yes, it is something.” “Hurrah for the local sports team!” “Did you hear about the latest office or community gossip?”

    Around that point, I get stumped because I am not very good at making small talk. I have run out of things to say and have to repeat myself. Where do we go from here?

    I confess to a certain degree of frustration over chitchat. I know that it is one of the oils that allow conversations to get going and lubricates the wheels of social intercourse. Yet, by and large, it is pretty meaningless, trivial stuff. 

    I find it particularly frustrating when dealing with other Christians.

    Do we not have more significant things to share? “How is God working in your life?” “What real struggles (or joys) are you facing?” “What is God teaching you?” “What ministries and missions are you supporting these days and why?” “What did God share with you during your prayer time today?”

    There are all kinds of exciting, meaty topics we can discuss, things that matter for all eternity. I don’t suggest for a moment that every conversation must be a deep theological debate filled with the latest and greatest Christianese. 

    We don’t have to be stern, stoic, or religious when conversing. Our discussions can still be light but filling, and there can be plenty of laughter.

    There are many areas where we can encourage one another, grow together, and bear each other’s burdens. Yet, when you walk into many churches or visit with many Christians, it takes a Herculean effort to get past anything completely superficial.

    The Apostle Paul had some strong words for the infant-like nature of the church in Corinth.

    But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, or you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 ESV

    We may not quarrel when we stick to small talk, but we certainly act worldly. The world has nothing more profound to offer. We need to stretch and grow up a bit.

    There are indeed places for quick, superficial conversations. It is true that it is not wise to bear the innermost secrets of our hearts in an indiscriminate matter. Yet, there is so much more that we can share with others. 

    We serve an awesome God who is hard at work in our lives and the lives of others. Let us learn to talk about that.

    Kevin

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