Reality…
June 9, 2008
It seems to me that everyone lives with their own set of convictions about what is real or not real. And no matter what someone tells you, you can tell what someone’s set of beliefs are by the way they act (even if they do not realize).
Reading through the new testament there is something that the early church believed that changed the way they lived that I believe we have lost much of. That belief is the reality that one day Jesus is coming back, and we will all stand before him. If we believed this it would affect our behavior in two ways (ok – really tons of ways but i wanna point out two of them):
One – We would see every action of ours through the lens of this. We would live to glorify God and only Him because of the reality that we will stand before him in judgment. We would be more thoughtful in our actions in every hour of the day. Also we would see this as an ultimate reality for everyone else and try to let them know about Christ so they do not receive the judgment of God.
Two – We would constantly wait and long for Christ to come back. Please understand that for a believer this is the absolute best thing that could happen. For the bridegroom to come back for His bride will be the greatest day in history. But so often this is not the attitude – many people who call themselves christians will feel a bit of dread when they think about the possibility of Christ coming today. Often because there is ’so much left to do’ here in this life and you haven’t accomplished everything.
Imagine a groom going to take his bride, but she didn’t care about seeing him because she was too busy with all the things he had given her. Most of us would call that girl a gold digger. Every groom wants to be the treasure of his bride, not the things he gives to her. But that is so many of us.
Anyways, how often do you think through your actions with the mindset of standing before Christ with that action exposed (or lack of action)? How often do you feel a longing to see your savior face to face? How often do you pray for Jesus to come back? Do you believe this is reality?
June 9, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Good post Tyler. My boy Taylor said you did a great job when you spoke 2 weeks back. He has been bringing a neighbor who knew practically nothing of Jesus. He is blown away by what you guys are presenting week after week. Now He is going to Gauntlet and I fully expect him to be saved that week. This kid is black and what you said about some of our hidden racist tendencies touched them both, I believe.
As a parent, you have no idea how much I appreciate you guys. Keep your nose in the word. You heart is obviously overflowing and others are drinking.
June 11, 2008 at 2:22 pm
i am moved more by the comment than the actual post.
no offense.