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His Weekly Word: Christian Activity
Photo: heartfeltmusic.org
How often do we go on mission trips?
Go to church because we are Christians?
Tithe to a church because we know it’s a biblical commandment?
How often do we date someone because they are a Christian also?
Go to a Christian college and upon acceptance claim that God led us there?
[divider]
We go to church functions, board meetings, take on positions as elders and deacons because we are Christians. We like to do cute things–––like give up chocolate for Lent–––making some trivial sacrifice that has nothing to do with bringing us closer to God.
What if there is supposed to be more to our decision making?
What if I told you these things are…
1. Completely worthless without a daily walk with God, and,
2. Pointless without a confirmation from God that you are actually supposed to do it.
You see, all of the things above are great and definitely have their place… but WHY? Why are we doing them? Did we get a word from God about doing this or participating in that? Sometimes, it just “feels” like the right thing to do in order to tell ourselves we are good Christians that serve the Lord.
This walk is about more than filling our schedules with Christian activity! It’s about having a daily intimate time with Jesus and obeying Him when He puts something before us. How insulting must it be when Jesus has a great plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11)–––a plan to give us a future and hope–––and yet we decide to do something else. Then, as if it wasn’t bad enough, we claim that it’s for the Lord! To put it plainly, that’s called disobedience.
[divider]
Now I will be the first to admit, I’m guilty of this more often than not. See, we think all this Christian activity is what this life is all about, but the Word says differently:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?”
–Matthew 7:21-22
We have to seek Him daily.
“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”
–Matthew 6:33
And ask Him what His will is for our lives.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
–Matthew 7:7
We must know Him above our Christian activity.
“I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
–Hosea 6:6
We must know Him in every aspect of life and He will direct us.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
–Proverbs 3:6
[box_help]Sound Off: What are your thoughts on “Christian activity”? Pointless, meaningless, meaningful? Let us know in the comments.[/box_help]
