Believing in God-June 15, 2012

"You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? James 2:19-20

The claims and boasts of Christianity on the part of many are much exaggerated.  This is said not from a standpoint of judgment but of observation.  Consider a couple of examples:

• A nationally syndicated morning radio show host starts his stand up routine with "I am a Christian but I am not perfect.  God is not done with me yet."  From there he proceeds to perform a routine laced with profanity and sexual innuendo.
• A morning television personality on a well known news network recently said while discussing the then unexpressed gay marriage views of the President, "I am a Christian and I believe in gay marriage."

There is no reason to believe that either of these individuals or the President for that matter do not believe in God.  They have said they do and their word is as good as anyone else's; but then what?  So anyone can claim to know and even love God but is it just a statement or reality?  Is it a position or a conviction?  Is it talk or is it walk?

Beloved, one need never claim to be a Christian anymore than there is a need to claim to be a human, a man, or a woman.  In most cases, these things can readily be seen by observing the differences between what you are and what you are not.  In that we do not have fur, fins, feathers or tails we are clearly human beings.  Observe how Jesus said Christians can be identified:

• "If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples." John 8:31
• "By this all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another."  John 13:35
• "Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples." John 15:8

In short, we must do what he said do, love all mankind and be productive in the kingdom.  Belief is expressed in what we do, not what we say.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Following Christ 6/5/12

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.'" Matt 16:24

There are many who claim to be followers of Christ. There are fewer who understand the true meaning of such a claim. In truth, being a true follower of Christ involves much that is counter intuitive to most people. Though this scripture is certainly not an exhaustive list of requirements, consider what the Lord is saying specifically to those who were actively following him at the the time.

First, he speaks of selflessness. It is natural for us to think of self first and others second. Jesus is advocating a life of service, forgiveness, love and sharing. The scriptures are replete with advisements and commands to treat others better than self. Jesus models this when he relates that he came to serve rather than to be served.

Second, we must be willing to sacrifice. When one thinks of the cross, it is difficult to think of anything else but the fact that it is the place that Jesus gave it all that we might have a way to be reconciled to the Father. In order to be a true follower of his, we must likewise be willing to lead sacrificial lives. Paul elaborates on this concept when he says, "I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" Rom 12:1. As he gave his life for us, we must be willing to give our lives to him.

Lastly beloved, we must not be followers of Christ in just word, but also in deed. This simply means to be obedient to his commands and to follow his example. His command is to love God with everything we have and to love others as ourselves. His example was to humble himself, take responsibility for others and to serve, even by washing dirty feet. How many of us would "lower" ourselves to the very heights of his performance? Let us carefully consider these things because therein lies true follow-ship and fellowship with Him who made us.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee