Living for Christ

Photo by Wil Stewart on Unsplash

You've all heard me say this before, but I'm going to say it again. Especially for the new readers, or people who are new to the faith. It isn't easy being a Christian. This walk that we're on--this journey--it isn't effortless, painless, or trouble free. In fact, some of the time, it can be quite the opposite. This life can be difficult, demanding, and disturbing! Irregardless, we have to take our salvation seriously...because it is serious! The fact that a holy, blameless, and sinless man died for us over 2000 years ago makes it serious! He died to save us from ourselves and from our sins, willingly! Then he rose on the third day, defeating sin and death! That makes it even that more serious! The One and true King laid down his life for us, all because of love (John 3:16).

Someone who knows all your flaws, faults and failures. He loved you before you even knew he existed. He loves and accepts you unconditionally, and there's nothing you can do about it. He loves you even if you reject him and don't love him back. This is why we believe in him. Because of his sacrificial love. Because he loved us first. Because he found us worthy, in our unworthiness. He knows we aren't smart enough or strong enough to live life without him. So he patiently waits for us to ask for his help. We try, over and over again, to do it ourselves but we end up right where we started. Sad, lonely, empty, and void. We all feel it...that something is missing. That there's got to be more to life than this, that there's a hole within us that can't be filled with food, money, or anything else. At least that's what I've experienced. Yet over and over and over again in my quest, I always find that the road leads me back to JESUS.

Some of you know Christ. You've walked with him for years, by now you are bored. The fire, the passion, the excitement has run out. Your walk is getting repetitive, it's becoming routine. You pray, you fast, you listen to sermons, you read books, you study the Bible...but you're also feeling sad, lonely and depressed. You've lost your zeal. Church is the same thing each Sunday. You're losing motivation, becoming sleepy and fatigued. What else can you do, you wonder? What should you do? Maybe you're serving, but it's getting old and you're exasperated. You don't have any joy or sense of purpose.

Well, I want to tell you that now is the time to really press in, not the time to grow cold. Now is not the time to self-indulge. It's not time to find happiness in the world. It's time to stand firm in your faith. What I am saying is, we need to plant our feet, dig our heels in, and endure--no matter what the cost. I'm not necessarily telling you to do more “works,” I'm telling you to lean in. Press in. Following Christ may cost you your friends, even some of your family. You may be making sacrifices that no one knows about. Silently and quietly fighting for the salvation of your loved ones, peace in the workplace, paying off your debt, or always taking care of others. You go unnoticed, unappreciated, and misunderstood. But if you know what you're doing is what Christ wants you to do, keep going, don't give up! Keep living for Christ!

It will all be worth it. Changes are coming! Breakthrough is coming! A crown waits for you in Heaven (2 Timothy 4:8). James 1:12 says Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. So, don't give up. God isn't blind, He sees everything you're going through. He's your Helper, your Reward, your Maker. Keep living for Christ.

Furthermore, some of you are bored because you ought to be teaching. You ought to be mentoring someone. You have enough knowledge, personal stories of what God has done, and major life experiences. Hebrews 5:12 says You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. That means help someone! Who can you be walking alongside? Maybe you can host a Bible Study or lead a couples group. Maybe God is calling you to disciple someone. You don't need to be a pastor or have someone to appoint you. It's all of our job to share Christ with others. Maybe God has put something on your heart, but you don't know where to start or how to begin. If God has put that desire or passion in you, just start. Take that first step. It's not our job to figure out how or why, it's our job to do what God asks. I heard someone say one time: Let us stop praying for God to bless what we're doing, but pray for God to use us in what He's already blessing (doing)!

God is already moving and working, with or without you. Let's join Him in what He's doing. Whatever season you're in, seek God. Ask Him what He wants you to do. Do you have a heart for abused children? Get involved. Do you want to mentor fatherless, youth boys? Do it! Maybe you want to cook food and distribute it to the homeless. Whatever it is, you can do it! We each have a God-given purpose. God has given us all abilities, talents, and gifts; don't waste it (Matthew 25:14-30)!!!

Let me ask you something. How do you think you came to know Christ? Well, it all started with 12 disciples who went out, two by two the Bible says (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1), and somehow (2000 years after), that news traveled and got to you. Who in your life could use some help? You aren't helpless. You have a lot to offer, no matter how old you are, what social class you fall in, what your medical condition is, or your gender. You can share your time, resources, knowledge, or finances. God can use you! Jesus fed over 5,000 people with a boy's five barley loaves and two fish (John 6:9). God used a boy‚Äôs lunch to feed people, ask yourself how He can use you?! Don't wait any longer, now is the time to act, to live for Christ.

Sometimes, when we experience seasons of drought, it could be because God wants us to rest. Other times, it's because God is refining us. Why do I say this? Because in my 9 years of following Christ, I've have gotten cold, weary, and exhausted in my walk with Christ. In my weariness, I also find myself getting the Martha Syndrome. (If you don't know about this, read Luke 10:38-42). I ask, why am I always the one praying? Why do I always have do the right thing? When is so and so going to do something? Hang in there. Focus on your relationship, and keep walking and talking with God, and trust that He will handle the rest.

We have to trust God, and keep on trusting God. We have to remain faithful, and remember that God is faithful. He doesn't give us more than we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). Let us stay passionate and on fire for Christ. Let us remember what Christ did for us. How he loved us and saved us. Let us share this life-saving news with others. Do what God has called you to do! Beat the boredom, and keep living for Christ!

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father,

I lift up all the readers to You right now in Jesus' name. No matter what season or stage they are in, please help them. Redeem them, restore them, revive them. Re-ignite their flame for You. Give them courage and boldness. May they again be zealous for You. Remind them of the dreams You've put in their heart. Stir up those passions You've given them. Remove everything that is immobilizing them, the negativity, doubt, insecurity, and complacency. May we not be idle, but do all that we can to help others, with the grace that You have already given us. May we desire for others to be saved, because we are saved. Show us how we can help. Wake those sleepy workers and warriors from their sleep, so they can complete the tasks You have assigned to them. Protect them and lead them. Show them their purpose and all they have to offer. Use us Lord. We thank You. All Glory to You. In Jesus name, amen.

Prayerfully,

Pam