What Are YOU Doing?
There’s a book that’s been around for a few years now called “The Christian Atheist”. This title would probably elicit a chuckle or two if the truth of it were not so disheartening…and scary. Look around – if you compare what you see around us to what the Word of God says, the truth in the title of the book will probably punch you dead in your face! In fact, the premise of the book is actually found clearly stated in its sub-title: “Believing in God but Living As If He Doesn’t Exist”.
Claiming to belong to Christ is actually serious business, and God Himself is deadly serious about the necessity of it; in fact, He is so serious about it that He has hung our eternal destiny on our claim being genuine. In other words, if we claim to be His with our mouths but don’t act like we’re His with our lives, we cannot really be His – that would be the very definition of taking the Lord’s name in vain. We cannot be both His and ours. Wow – that right there deserves full amen! The Lord expects US to be serious and laser-focused about it as well.
Sadly, though, far too many of us really aren't, and this point is borne out by the 80/20 rule remaining in full effect in the local church today. Maybe you've noticed the phenomenon too – folks meander into the church house at the same time every Sunday...20 minutes after service begins. They sit rather stoically (or is it “dutifully”?) through service week-in and week-out, barely absorbing the Word that goes forth and all-too-rarely engaging with the work begun by Christ. But sitting is not what we've been called to do – what we have been called to do is (organized) work, together! Kingdom work. It’s not difficult at all trying to be a “Christian” by default or by association – all you have to do is be in the building on Sunday. The problem with that strategy, though, is that it doesn’t fly biblically; we are to be intentional Christians…followers of Christ on purpose, 24/7/365! Jesus himself made it real clear:
So, the question you must ask yourself is this: “Am I an intentional Christian, or am I just hanging around the building?” Then answer yourself honestly…