Time For Revival!

[=Veritas=]

This week has been one of those introspective ones. Those existential thoughts and reflections shot right out of the gate Monday morning. Days and nights have been filled with prayer and consideration. Tons of catharsis! However, of all the things I've been pondering, questioning, and praying about, there is one issue that stands out above the rest: Weak and selfish Christianity.

Let me preface this by admitting that I'm no expert on the Christian faith. I'm not a Pastor, or a theologian, or some high and mighty holier-than-thou type of believer. I don't claim to have all the answers, nor do I profess to have the faith that can move mountains. These words are just as much for me as they are for any other believer.

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE BEING CHALLENGED, IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE IN YOUR CASUAL CHRISTIAN FAITH, IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED BY TRUTH, OR IF YOU HAVE ISSUES WITH HOLDING UP SPIRITUAL MIRRORS TO REVEAL YOUR AREA'S OF...SHALL I SAY...SPIRITUAL POO - DO NOT CONTINUE READING!

Christians, God is more concerned with your CHARACTER than he is with your COMFORT! If you are living comfortably as a believer, then you're not fully experiencing all that God has for you. I can say this with great certainty, because it is evident throughout the Bible. We know this is true by what we read about God's character and what he tells us that the life of a believer entails. Over and over again in the Bible, God challenges his people to step out of their comfort zones, build their faith, serve (it's never comfortable to serve), and allows trials and uncomfortable circumstances in their lives in order to build their character (i.e. Job, Joseph, Israelites, Gideon, Jonah, Disciples). Christians today have become so casual in their thinking and their actions. Believers are living for emotionally charged spiritual high's, rather than pressing on into service and obedience. This is very discouraging. Jesus said, "...because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Rev. 3:16) Casual Christianity is disgusting to God, and it should be disgusting to us as well!

I believe this disease of lukewarm Christianity is a direct result of selfish, fleshly living; or "What's in it for me" Christianity. I bring this up brothers and sisters, because I am so sick and tired of Christians that are whining and complaining because God isn't giving them this or that! Because they're uncomfortable in a situation, they need a better job, a better spouse, more money, a bigger house, nicer car, and they absolutely can't be completely sold out for Christ! (OH NO!) The harsh reality of Christianity is, if you're living for yourself, God cannot and will not be effective in your life! Stop whining. Stop complaining. Stop trying to convince God to cater to your selfish ambitions. He won't do it!

I once heard some lyrics that said something like, "You pray to prosper and succeed, but your flesh is something I just can't feed." Yet, Christians are constantly requesting this of God. It has become a commonality for me to see this "what's in it for me?" Christianity - It's popping up everywhere! Believers are praying, "God, I want..." rather than "God, what do YOU want for me?" Friends, prayer is NOT our opportunity to give God our little wish lists! Prayer is designed to align our lives with God's will. John said, "I must decrease, He must increase." (Jn. 3:30) The desire of our hearts should be to seek what God desires for us! This attitude of "ME" Christianity must end, and it must end now.

Society is the biggest advocate of selfish living! "Look out for number one" is its motto, and "Do whatever is right for you" is the tag line that follows. Christians, the Bible says that we are to be consecrated - set apart for His purposes. Different from the rest of the world. The salt and the light, in this very distasteful and darkened world. How will we be able to stand out if we live the exact same way as everybody else? We won't. How can we be different if we share the "me first" attitude? We can't. How effective is our salt and light if we blend in and cover our light for fear of resistance? It isn't. Additionally, God says in his Word that the world will know us by our love. This doesn't mean that we only show love to those that we're comfortable with. This doesn't mean that we are only loving to those that believe the same way we do. This doesn't mean we love the prison inmate while we shun the homosexual! This means that we are to love every single person on God's green earth! No exceptions. No excuses. No equivocation. Just love people.

This isn't easy, is it? Well guess what brothers and sisters - there's a condition to this charge! It is impossible to fulfill this type of love if you don't fully love God. How does God tell us he knows if we love him? If we do what He says (Jn. 14:15). The flip side of this, is that we don't do what our flesh says. Who are you going to obey? Who do you really love? Are you living this faith for what you can get out of it?

God says that to obey is better than sacrifice. He desires service over sacrifice. Relationship over ritual. He desires more than Sunday's and Wednesday nights my friends! If you can't come to Him everyday, don't bother coming at all! I once heard a wise man say, "If I'm not on my knees every morning, I'll be on my butt by the end of the day." Brothers and sisters in Christ I challenge you, let's stop living for ourselves. Let's put an end to "what's in it for me" Christianity. Let's start running the race - really. Let's be difference makers for the kingdom of God. Let's look for ways to serve and love people. Let's stop casual faith, and lukewarm living. It's time for revival - and it begins with you and me.

Love and edification in Christ Jesus our Lord,

=Veritas=

 

[Sharky]

Very good post. Guilty in many parts for me .

But thank you for the revival!

 

[e-bwm]

Christians, God is more concerned with your CHARACTER than he is with your COMFORT! If you are living comfortably as a believer, then you're not fully experiencing all that God has for you. I can say this with great certainty, because it is evident throughout the Bible. We know this is true by what we read about God's character and what he tells us that the life of a believer entails. Over and over again in the Bible, God challenges his people to step out of their comfort zones, build their faith, serve (it's never comfortable to serve), and allows trials and uncomfortable circumstances in their lives in order to build their character (i.e. Job, Joseph, Israelites, Gideon, Jonah, Disciples). Christians today have become so casual in their thinking and their actions. Believers are living for emotionally charged spiritual high's, rather than pressing on into service and obedience. This is very discouraging. Jesus said, "...because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Rev. 3:16) Casual Christianity is disgusting to God, and it should be disgusting to us as well!

I can appreciate those comments. And I am in agreement with your premise here. It really is not about us, but about His purposes.

I believe this disease of lukewarm Christianity is a direct result of selfish, fleshly living; or "What's in it for me" Christianity. I bring this up brothers and sisters, because I am so sick and tired of Christians that are whining and complaining because God isn't giving them this or that! Because they're uncomfortable in a situation, they need a better job, a better spouse, more money, a bigger house, nicer car, and they absolutely can't be completely sold out for Christ! (OH NO!) The harsh reality of Christianity is, if you're living for yourself, God cannot and will not be effective in your life! Stop whining. Stop complaining. Stop trying to convince God to cater to your selfish ambitions. He won't do it!

I am not so sure that we need to be "sick and tired" of others, although. I actually can relate to that feeling. But seeing that need, we need to pray for those things that are hindering our brothers and sisters. We also do not know their whole background and I know in my weaker moments in life I don't want someone to be sick and tired of me, but pray for me. If they see what my need is I would want them to tell me in a manner that I would know they had my best interests at heart. In other words ,to "speak the truth in love".

I have had some really emotional issues, right or wrong, that have been overwhelming to me, and have had some great answers to some prayers about them. I came to a point that He had helped me with my immediate needs evnough and for once I needed to be interested in His purposes at large. This has opened up a whole new dimension in my prayer and devotional life and a whole new peace has entered my life.

I might add that while I do not believe our comfort is the priority in Gods's kingdom, the fact that God makes promises to us in His Word, that He does relate to us through them.

Having said all that, I think your premise is right on target. May you continue with your growth and encourage others in that direction.

 

[=Veritas=]

Hi e-bwm,

I am not so sure that we need to be "sick and tired" of others, although. I actually can relate to that feeling. But seeing that need, we need to pray for those things that are hindering our brothers and sisters. We also do not know their whole background and I know in my weaker moments in life I don't want someone to be sick and tired of me, but pray for me. If they see what my need is I would want them to tell me in a manner that I would know they had my best interests at heart. In other words ,to "speak the truth in love".

I have had some really emotional issues, right or wrong, that have been overwhelming to me, and have had some great answers to some prayers about them. I came to a point that He had helped me with my immediate needs evnough and for once I needed to be interested in His purposes at large. This has opened up a whole new dimension in my prayer and devotional life and a whole new peace has entered my life.

Honestly, I agree with you here. I think my use of "sick and tired" was a bit too harsh. Although I have grown weary of the whining and complaining and selfish-living, etc. I do believe I/we must LOVE above all else. Which, of course, includes praying for them, encouraging them, and helping them.

God bless you, and thanks again for your comments!

=Veritas=

 

[honeybee2]

So well said.
On one of these forums, someone suggested a website called Voice of the martyrs. It is amazing what people around the world are going through for the privilege of being a christian. We in North America and Europe have had it so easy for so long that we assume these comforts are a 'right'. Unfortunately, i believe it is leading us into becoming complacent christians. We care more about ourselves and our own needs than the world around us. We lose sight of the reason we are here. Brothers and sisters, this is the only chance in all of eternity to build our character to emulate our Lord and Savior. Our witness to the world is not is what we say so much as in what we do, and who we are. I agree wholeheartedly. Let us begin to live as Jesus did, asking ourselves daily, well, what would Jesus do? In every situation, when we are tempted to react, let us be proactive instead, deciding not to give way to our fleshly desires to satisfy our anger, or lusts or prides, but instead, to deny ourself daily, and crucify our flesh with its wicked desires.
Halleluyah, our God reigns!

 

[=Veritas=]

Right ON Honeybee! Amen Sister...

Thanks for your thoughts and encouragement here.

=Veritas=

 

[C.A.B.L]

I agree with all of you concerning this post. When we accepted Christ we signed an "IOU" to pay our debt back to God, the debt that Jesus paid for us. It's not about us anymore, it's about the lost. Christians, we are living in the last generation we are running out of time. I don't know exactly when Christ is coming, but I can know the time! and I can see the signs.

 

[HoT-MetaL]

I couldnt agree more with this post.

How can we expect God to pour out his spirit and raise up a whole town, city, or nation, to a Godly standard, when we, the chosen people, havent got a Godly Standard in our own lives?

God Bless, metal.

 

[=Veritas=]

Hey Metal,

How can we expect God to pour out his spirit and raise up a whole town, city, or nation, to a Godly standard, when we, the chosen people, havent got a Godly Standard in our own lives?

Great point! Revival must happen in our hearts and minds before we can revive the nations. That addage is true, "the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart!"

Amen Brother,

=Veritas=