ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

"Life is God’s gift to you. How you live it is your gift to God."

(Leo Buscaglia)

Have you ever heard or used the term "practicing Christian"? We all say things from time to time whether in serious conversation or in just joking for which we never have given a thought of the true meaning. Without knowing the true meaning, or even if it has an actual meaning, many terms such as telling someone to "break a leg” sound ridiculous. Such is the term "practicing Christian."

Usually, it is one’s perception of another person that is the underlying reason for that question. The fact of the matter is there simply isn't any such thing as a "practicing Christian." Either you're a Christian or you're not! Period! There’s no wiggle room in determining what category you fall into. And, if you’re not a Christian, whose fault is that? If you think its God’s fault, you are simply trying to rationalize “your” problem!

My first career took us to many places around the world and we have attended a number of churches over those years. There was one pastor who we know, in his heart, believed in Christ, but he simply didn't convey that belief to others, particularly in his preaching. That situation clearly does not exist at our church. Our pastor preaches solely and totally on and from the word of God with great belief, faith, conviction and passion. He teaches in the same manner - a true man of God. Hopefully, your pastor does the same. So, if you are trying to make yourself believe it’s your pastor’s fault that you aren’t a Christian, you’re very wrong again! And if, by chance, you think it’s your spouse’s fault that you aren’t a Christian, you’re at your wit’s end trying to find a scapegoat. Face reality – it’s your own fault!

Okay, okay, so you say that you are a Christian. Then what would lead people to think or ask you “Are you a ‘practicing Christian’?”. Let’s look deeper! Maybe what they’re really asking is “Are you an obedient Christian?”. Well, let’s see! Do you attend church regularly, not just on Christmas and Easter, not just when you “feel like it”? How about Sunday and Wednesday evenings? Do you read the Bible between Sundays? Do you tell others about Christ? Do you serve God by serving your church in various capacities and do so willingly? Are you strengthening your faith and trying to get closer to Christ? And – here it comes – the “big one” – are you tithing? If you can “truthfully” answer “yes” to all those questions, that’s awesome! But, if you are actually “able” to do those things and yet – to be totally honest - you must answer “no”, then very clearly your actions and attitude reflect to others that you simply are not obedient to God’s word. In that case, don’t be surprised if someone asks you - “Are you a practicing Christian”?.

In His Service,

…..Bob “Christian Voices” (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)