In many articles you read today, you find the word change. For many change is necessity and for others change is to be avoided at all costs. What really spurred this blog post is something that I have been seeing. It is the ability for churches to do events and record lots of salvations and ten later on find out that although salvation occurred the individual is no longer there or involved anywhere because they didn't change.
Why do we see salvation and no life change? For the answer to that questions look no further than the Christian book section of Barnes and Noble. Located on it's shelves you find countless books on living a better life and experiencing the full ness of life. What you don't see are books that speak of transformation and authentic life change.
Christians have began the process of self medication rather than open heart surgery.
Don't misunderstand me. I would rather have medicine over surgery any day, but when it comes to my spiritual condition, I need surgery. Paul speaks of crucifying his flesh daily. David sings of a change that has occurred since he repented an honored God once again. Most people would agree that it is easier to treat symptoms than the problem, however those same people would say the only cure is to get to the cause of the problem and fix it. It is a dichotomy that has plagued mankind since the beginning. serve ourselves or serve others???
Jesus Christ's death was not for self help or to help you get through your day. His death was so that you would be redeemed by his blood that was shed for the remission of sins. Salvation is the reason. Then, we are instructed to make disciples. Followers of the way. How do I follow God now that I am saved? If we don't stick around for that how can life change happen? Following God goes agains the cultural norms of I do what I want. Following God is a pattern of life that must be developed and we as Christians and especially churches are supposed to be the institutions to make that happen.
When we accept Jesus the process of surgery begins. The great physician is the doctor but we are the surgical nurses keeping a close eye on what is happening and a close ear to hear what the doctor is saying. We are there for assistance not just a sudden jolt of energy when the heart begins to fail.
The self help books are nice to read. They make you feel better about yourself and give some inspiration and that is a good thing. However, if the only thing I am digesting is sugar won't I eventually develop diabetes? My body stops wanting protein and craves sweets. I concentrate on feeding my spiritual sweet tooth and my inner man begins to suffer because of it. I then become so jaded that I believe my sin is not sin at all and fall victim to creating an image of God that suits me and my beliefs.
It is time to lay aside the sugar and crave meat that comes from the word of God. It is time to allow God to use us to help others that are around us and ourselves as well to be disciples of Christ. Allow the spirit to convict us and allowing God to change us. It is then when we become recreated and defined in new terms set forth by God on us because we are his.
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