set aside.
Hopefully, I won’t sound too harsh or critical in the next lines I’m about to say.
Perhaps, it’s just the different environment.
I love CCF, Tech, etc. and all but I’m confused on where did the mission aspect of Christianity go? The hardships and the struggles? Whenever I see things related to God and how the Bible is impacting them, it just seems like verses just to make you “feel good.” Something is wrong with that. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve met some awesome people and I know they love Jesus but it’s just that to me, the Bible is meant to convict and help you grow, not stand there in your complacency as you praise God for getting you through a test or something else. I’m not trying to belittle the latter, but there is so much more to God than what people think there is. There are so many more reasons to praise Him. Not just because He’s great and does good things for us, but because He deserves it all. I don’t know, maybe I just have a different calling or view. But when I think about it, what about the great commission? What about the persecution that’s suppose to come? It’s weird being in just a different environment. I hope I’m not misunderstanding but Christians that “blend in’ are not Christians or are not practicing what God has told us to do. We are meant to be different and not make the Bible convenient.
I need some guidance. I’m thirsting for more and yet I fear complacency.
Just how many sermons about living for God, serving him, being a child of God, doing what God tells us to do, etc. does it take to actually apply it. I’m at fault too but I don’t know. I wonder if others feel the same here.
I don’t know. I sometimes feel like I’m getting spiritually fat from Bible studies, sermons, etc. and sometimes I feel like there’s not many here at Tech that have the same mindset as me. That’s perfectly okay, everyone’s a bit different but I just find myself frustrated. My missions field is here and all but when I see John Park’s pictures and read Scripture, my heart cries out.
Another thing that nags me is that my crew team, which some aren’t even Christians, are more encouraging.
2 Corinthians 10:3
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
Something about us is suppose to be different. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Eh, and lately I’ve been noticing the lack of love amongst the brothers and sisters.
Ephesians 4:1-6
I therefore, a prisoner for hte Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all and in all.
Guys, if we’re not working for God, we’re doing the devil’s, satan’s work. Just think about that for a moment and chew on it.
Ephesians 4:29
I like the way how the ESV and NIV versions translate it:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)
Let no corrupting talk come out of your moths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occassion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (ESV)
Along with that, I think in this world, we’ve lost the value of words and the impact they can have. James is all about that. Good man.
James 1:26
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
The tongue is a one of the most powerful tools we have. We can praise God but then lash out at his children. We can encourage others but also do the devil’s work.
I’m still having issues with it too. That and this:
James 2:1-4
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Before God, we are all equal. I was struggling a little bit ago with God when I was thinking about Him and His love. God loves me and a murderer the same. He didn’ t just send his Son to die for me, but every. single. person. on this world. To think that God only for specific people not only limits God, but is not of God.
What convicts me even more about James is in verse 14.
James 2:14
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
And he continues to drop more bombs
James 2:17-19
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, nd I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. even the demons believe– and shudder!
Saying you believe is one thing, showing your faith through actions is the true thing. There has to be fruit produced from how you live your life. It’ll be either good or bad fruit. Bad trees cannot bear good fruit and good fruit cannot bear bad fruit. (matthew 7).
I’m just saying all these things as a reality check. A reality check for our character, myself included. We have to constantly work on ourselves and our character. Our goal is consecrate ourselves; to make ourselves holy as possible. Like I said earlier, one of the biggest ways that the devil gets to us is through our words.
James describes the tongue as a deadly poison, a small rudder for a boat, a spark that sets a forest ablaze. (chapter 3). Guys (&girls) watch what you say to, around, about and everything else pertaining to people. They are God’s children too.
You can’t have salt water and fresh water in the same location. It’s either salty or fresh. How can you say that a person who breaks down another is good?
Proverbs 12:18
Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Hopefully your moods aren’t down… aha. Guys, just like words of condemnation can work in favor for satan, words of encouragement and love works for God. It’s hard, but nothing good truly comes easily. I know I’m at fault for a lot of these things so please pray for me guys. Let’s build each other up, as brothers and sisters of Christ. I want people to look at me and know that I’m living for something different and want to know what I have.
