I feel fortunate that I grew up in a consistent, stable home. This is all I've ever known. In fact, my parents are still married after 41 years. I grew up watching my father live out a quiet, consistent, committed life.He is committed to his marriage. He is committed to his family of 3 crazy sons! He was committed to his job at General Motors for over 40 years (I realize in today's work climate that this is not necessarily a desirable or even possible feat anymore). He is committed to serving his church with his time, talent, and treasure.
Maybe it's just me, but I rarely see this type of commitment anymore. People jump in and out of marriage like they're going steady in high school. People spend less time at home nurturing their families. Christians have a low commitment level to their church. They are giving less of their time, talents, and money, and they jump around from church to church because they want everything "their way."
At least here in America, I think this is merely a reflection of our current culture. If we don't like someone or something, we simply throw it out and move on to something else. We live in a disposable society. Unfortunately, American Christians and the American Church have become a reflection of the society. I believe this saddens God that those that consider themselves Christ followers have not risen above the culture. We of all people should be counter-culture.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2, NIV).
So now: Fear God. Worship him in total commitment (Joshua 24:14, MSG).
You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom (Matthew 5:10, MSG).
Jesus said, "Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God's works" (John 6:29, MSG).
So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision - you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it (Philippians 3:15, MSG).
As a Christian, are you living a life of commitment? Is your life patterned after the world, or are you bucking the culture? What steps could you take today in the direction of living out a more committed lifestyle?
I agree with you Larry. We're a "fast food" society. We think everything should be easy and quick with little effort. Things that are good for you usually take time and effort but we're buying into the idea that everything hard is too much work.
ReplyDeleteYour message came on time! Thank you so much, I really needed to hear this today! God bless.
ReplyDeleteWow. You make a strong case, and you are right- the lack of commitment by Christians to the church and to their spouses is astonishing, and tragic. Far to many people treat their church and their marriages like a cookie jar. They continously dab their hands in when they need too, when its convenient yet they never replenish it. They hardly give back all that they take.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad, but God can use words like your blog to convict his children and remind them of His commands.
Well done,
Shirley
Scott, Harlem, and Shirley - glad you enjoyed the post and left me a comment! A blog is pointless without interaction from and with the readers.
ReplyDeleteLarry