As I mentioned in my last post, God has been (and will be til the day he comes back or takes me home) transforming my heart in a lot of different ways. I have been hearing things in a different way as a result, and something has been on my mind to put out as a challenge to all who claim to be Christian. Let me just preface this with the acknowledgement that I do not think I have everything figured out nor do I practice things perfectly. Just read Philippians 3:12-21 to know my heart.
I talked a little about our American mindset of entitlements, and I’d like to address one particular area in which this is reflected – suffering in life. We’ve all heard the proclamation “everything happens for a reason”. This is often used as a source of encouragement for someone who is going through some kind of hard time. The problem I have with that is it sends the message that we somehow deserve to not struggle. We have a tendency to want everyone to “feel good” about walking this road of following Christ. Most people use Romans 8:28 as a reference connected to this phrase; but that is not what that verse is talking about. This understanding is incorrect and has no scriptural basis. Many different scriptures talk about us encountering trials. They begin with statements not of “if” but “when”. James 1 says that no one should blame God or anyone else when they are tempted “for God cannot be tempted with evil and he Himself tempts no one, but each person is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” I’m just afraid that too many people who claim to be Christians, never really counted the cost of what following Christ would look like and have settled for a self-centered, feel good version that is nowhere in scripture – which means it’s dangerously wrong! Do not be deceived! This is just one sign of false gospels that are birthed everywhere. People take pieces that they want and leave others they don’t, creating their own version that “works for them”. This is mostly because people want to justify remaining in control or in some particular sin or comfort zone. Remember that sin is not necessarily any particular action (since we often like to categorize sin actions), but the actions are simply a manifestation of an issue that is more deeply rooted in our hearts – hearts that are naturally evil. Honestly, I believe every sin action is rooted first by pride and selfishness. If we forget that our hearts are naturally evil, we forget our need moment by moment for a savior; and therefore, the significance of Jesus’ life and death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. So if we tell ourselves, we somehow deserve to not struggle or that it only comes when we’ve some lesson to learn; then we’re lying to ourselves about who we are and more so about who God is. This would be really bad news if it weren’t for the fact that Jesus already provided the means by which to overcome this issue. And that’s really good news! God, I’m so grateful for grace for the very reason that I repeatedly fall into this too. If you claim to be a Christian, but you aren’t ready to count everything as rubbish, including your own life, in order to know and follow Christ, then I just have one question – do you really know Him?
This is not a judgment on anyone, it is simply fact based on scripture in it’s entirety. Anywhere you read about someone’s faith in the Bible, it is followed by action. Anywhere you read about someone believing in Christ, it is followed by transformation of the purpose for which they are living their life; which means a transformation of the way in which they live their life. If you’re not being transformed by Christ, living for His eternal purpose, and looking more like Him each day of your life…what exactly are you believing and who exactly are you following?
**Added thoughts** This topic and post was on my mind again this morning and I realize I didn't exactly connect it to my journey which is the purpose of this blog. I wasn't just ranting, but anything I post about is because I first have been convicted and challenged to address in my own life. I do not feel I have some authority to share because "I'm going on the World Race". I can boldly share because this can only be revealed to me by God and so it is in His authority that I aim to speak and walk and act each and every day. My latest challenge (that is taking a couple of years) is to actually live and walk and act in that authority. So, while again, this is not a "look at me, I'm patting myself on the back" for going on the world race, these challenges are certainly enhanced by the preparation of this journey. I do not wish to debate; however, please feel free to share any constructive thoughts as it is only through the body of Christ as a whole that God more fully reveals his truths…not just one individual.
