Christian Living
We often like to make Christianity complicated and difficult. Although it is not an easy way to live, it is not hard to understand. It is a way that is chosen by thought not feeling...even though emotions may be seriously affected by that choice. It is a choice we must make every day and sometimes many times a day.
It is a different way of living than what is seen in the world. It is one where many times we defer our personal desires in order to serve the needs of others. Again it is a deliberate choice not one made solely by feelings. Jesus gave us a good example when He told about the two sons who were asked to go work in the fields. One said, 'sure Dad'. then went and did his own thing. The other declared he had other plans for his day but went and worked in the fields instead. One was honest with his feelings but he chose obedience rather than what he wanted. The other said all the right words but did what he wanted instead. [Matthew 21: 28-31]
Jesus did not mean for us to constantly put aside our well-being in order to serve others. Sometimes we need to say No. Many of us have missed understanding that being a servant to others does not mean we allow others to misuse us. Nor does it mean that they can monopolize our time and life. It is being thoughtful of others and their needs but also being wise in how we may best serve them. When we fail to take care of ourselves we become less useful to the kingdom and of little use to others as well.
We are to be living temples of Christ and therefore we need to care for our bodies and minds as responsibly as we would care for a physical building. Our bodies, being physical, need care and repair as much as any other physical object. If we fail to eat well, rest when needed, and strive to keep in good health we are neglecting the personal temple we gave to God. Vanity is not part of that care, but being careful in dress and looks is.
Christianity is a life of trust. It is putting our trust in God. Relying on Him to care for us and lead us in a life that has purpose and victory. Somehow we have forgotten that in order to have victory there must be something to overcome and win. We do not win our salvation, for Jesus has paid for that in full. But we win over the obstacles of everyday life. Life itself comes with its own set of challenges. And we will also face spiritual battles whether or not we choose to walk life's road as a Christian.
The enemy of our souls does not really care about us. His goal is to inflict on God the greatest amount of hurt and pain he can. The best and easiest way he can do that is to attack and mislead humanity. He knows he is doomed but he wants to make sure he takes as many as he can with him to his ultimate end. He has not a drop of goodness in him. He is indeed pure evil. And we, as humans, forget that or choose to not recognize the reality of who and what he is.
Whether or not we choose to be a Christian we will face battles in this life. Ones of physical form and others of spiritual. As a Christian we can sometimes identify which is which. For there are times when what the world sees as a physical challenge is really a spiritual battle. The Bible offers great insight to all who would take the time to really read and study it. God does not want even one person to fail. [2Peter 3:9] He set out from the beginning to make sure all have what we need to live life successfully. But He also limited Himself by giving us free will.
As Christians we do not lose the ability to choose. We can walk as close or as far away from the ideal plan God has for us at any time. The bad news is that we often choose the wrong path. The good news is that God is able to redeem those times as well. [Romans 8:28] Since we were all called to be His, there is not one human being He cannot use regardless of our past. That is really the essence of the above verse. God takes whatever we give to Him and makes good its final end.
Basic Christianity is a life-long relationship that grows with time and experience. That is why we read that life as a Christian is like the relationship found in marriage. When two people marry they promise to love and care for one another. To be true and faithful to each other and to share the good, bad and ugly with each other. Making their lives better because together they face whatever life brings.
A good marriage takes work, commitment and sacrifice by both parties. Thus our Christian life is only as good as we make it. If we choose to walk close to the Lord and follow His leading, we have one kind of a relationship. If we choose to constantly argue and balk against what we know is right, we will have a different relationship. Christ is totally committed to us, to see that our life is as full and rich as we allow Him to make it. The deciding factor is ours. We have free choice to make our minds up as to what our Christian relationship will be.
That's the basics of Christianity, simple but not always easy.
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