COMPREHENSIVE COMMITMENT!
Sunday’s Monday
I’m not sure what to think about Christians who say they’re Christian but aren’t living a Christ-like lifestyle. Did they simply misunderstand, were they misled, or possibly just acting deceptively in their complete surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Many of these people only have a vague understanding of who Jesus is and what He did, causing them to develop a general comprehensive belief that allows them a precarious faith in God that is controlled by circumstances and feelings. As is written in James 1:8 (NLT), Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. We see and believe that one has been born to the flesh because they’re alive. However, when it comes to one’s spiritual birth it may not be immediately discernible because of the lifestyle one chooses to live. Our lifestyle is the best measuring post for monitoring one’s loyalty to Jesus. Take a look at what your lifestyle is reflecting.
Many people have adopted a comprehensive view of Jesus and the commitment they may have made to Him. Dictionary.com defines comprehensive - of large scope; covering or involving much; inclusive: Many take the shotgun approach, to where they live a hit or miss life for Jesus. Their commitment to Jesus is weak, shaky, and unstable at best, that is if it exists at all. Dictionary.com defines commitment - as the act of committing, pledging, or engaging oneself. To carry the title a little deeper, dictionary.com describes comprehending - thoroughly understanding with one's mind, having an extensive mental range or grasp, as of a particular subject or many subjects. Whereas dictionary.com defines commitment - as a pledge or promise; obligation: Looking at life through this frame of mind we each need to examine ourselves to determine the state of our spiritual engagement versus our obligation to Jesus our Lord and Savior. We are told in James 1:22-24 (NLT), 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.
This is true of many Christians today; their commitment to Jesus is weak and the world is working to consume us all! We as individuals need to speak with Jesus as to how we can rekindle or gain that spark. Several years ago, I read this quote (author unknown), “You go back to fundamentals when things start to go awry.” I applied this to my spiritual life returning to where I was when my relationship with Jesus was at its closest and using it as a starting point to recover my Christian walk and strengthen my relationship with Jesus. You see, I’ve learned over the years that my faith can only grow through my belief and my belief through my relationship with Jesus. The quote wasn’t very spiritual, but it is highly effective! As is James 1:25 (NLT), 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. It’s time to stop taking the comprehensive approach that only complicates our spiritual understanding and start living what we know about a Christ-like lifestyle. Look at Luke 10:27 (NLT) The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Don’t overthink that which Jesus has made simple.
The point to be made here follows the reason for titling this blog Sunday’s Monday. Ask yourself: Are my actions Monday through Saturday the same as they appear on Sunday? Is my lifestyle producing that which Jesus desires of me, so the world around me may witness and desire Jesus? If not, what am I willing to sacrifice to get my belief, faith, and trust in Jesus to where Jesus expects it? A one-on-one relationship with Jesus through prayer, study, and fellowship is the way!
Lord, I pray that we follow the instructions in Hebrews 12:2 NLT), We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. May we find our way to your way of loving, with mercy, and grace for all. Help us to strengthen a one-on-one relationship with You enhances our lifestyle and increase our faith to believe You have a plan for this old world, and You are in charge of every second that passes. Father help us to overcome any fear, confusion, or anxiety toward what is going on and totally focus on You. May we cast every care and concern on You as we walk through this life in preparation for the New Earth mentioned in 2 Peter 3:13. Amen
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
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