(Beth Ann, a senior at Mississippi College, is writing a series of articles geared towards middle school through college age girls, but the words God is giving her will speak to women of any age. Her heart is that she will encourage and challenge us with Biblical truth.)
My fear for this generation and myself is that we have become products of cultural Christianity. We prayed a prayer of salvation, attend church regularly, go on retreats, get emotional at camp and Dnow, but we don't live daily like new creations (2 Cor. 5:17). The truth is, the church today, as a whole, looks very similar to the world. If we’re not careful, church can become a game we play. Following Jesus is not a joke and is not something we take lightly. Following Jesus is serious and costly.
My fear for this generation and myself is that we have become products of cultural Christianity. We prayed a prayer of salvation, attend church regularly, go on retreats, get emotional at camp and Dnow, but we don't live daily like new creations (2 Cor. 5:17). The truth is, the church today, as a whole, looks very similar to the world. If we’re not careful, church can become a game we play. Following Jesus is not a joke and is not something we take lightly. Following Jesus is serious and costly.
I write from the perspective of my own life. I'm guilty of living life but not really living. Real living is not following the trends of this world, caring more about our outward appearance than the condition of our hearts, wanting more and more material possessions, nor gaining titles, awards or accolades from the world. Life begins when we recognize that before Christ we were dead--worthless and useless--but because of His grace we have life. Life begins when we understand the cost of our salvation; we are saved because God the Father crushed His own son for us. It's not enough to go to church, have a quiet time, go on a mission trip, and try really hard to be good--it's not enough. We are called to give everything. Romans 12:1-2 tells us it is our spiritual worship to present our bodies as living sacrifices. God desires devotion from our whole heart, not just sections. We must give more of “our” time to studying God’s Word, memorizing the Word, praying, pouring into others, and showing God’s love to a lost, dark, and dying world.
Sisters, it's time to stand, to set our lives apart from this world, and to truly live. We need to loosen our grip on desires of the world and let God completely grip our hearts. Time is precious and His return is near; commit your ways to the Lord--surrender all to Him. Would you be ready if Jesus came back today? Are we watching for Jesus’ return? Are we waiting with anticipation for Him? Do we want Jesus? Are we continuing to work, doing good works until His return?
Like your Dad said Sunday..."What if these really are the last days?"
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Beth Ann. Praying that God continues to teach you so that you can teach others!