What Will It Take?

Think about all the things you've done for Jesus and God's kingdom today...last week...this month...this year. Seriously! How far have you extended yourself to express your faith? Why are you drawing a blank? What have you really done? What makes us so inclined to do very little? No accountability? No incentive? No motivation? No fear of consequences? I heard an interesting quote that proclaimed that "Christians are just like tea bags. You never know how strong they are until you put them in hot water." When it comes to living out your Christian faith what will it take to make you get serious about ministering in the name of Jesus Christ? In other words, what will God have to allow to happen in your life in order get your attention that you've been apathetic, lethargic and unmotivated with carrying out the ministry he has called you to do? What has to happen in order to get your attention to start doing something about the sinful habits you have become accustomed to doing? Although not the case in all situations, I see many "Christians" with health issues, financial troubles, miserable marriages, wayward children, dismal job performances, and a host of other melancholy life-stories that just don't seem to make sense or appear to come at a very unique time. It makes me wonder if there is something going on in their life from a spiritual sense. After all, these unusually bleak occurrences are not the type of life God planned for us. In Jeremiah 29:11, God tell us, "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Are you getting nowhere in life? Does "bad luck" seem to be the end result of a lot of your endeavors? Does it seem that no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to "get a break?" Maybe it is time to stop and seriously consider what has become of your relationship with God. Where is it and at what level? Head knowledge? Conscious awareness? A deep, intimate relationship built on Scripture, prayer, communication, service and confession? What is it going to take for you to come back into a proper relationship with God? What will it take for you to get serious about your faith? For some, it takes a tragic accident or a horrific string of bad circumstances. Others, it takes losing a job, a home, or even a spouse. For most of us, it really doesn't require much such as a uniquely timed illness or a minor financial loss to get our attention to repent and turn back to the Lord. Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us, So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do." Let's not "push the issue" of Grace. Let's work and focus on our relationship with God now while we have the opportunity. I pray that you won't procrastinate. I pray that you won't wait until God has to intervene in order to give you the incentive. God loves you too much to leave you where you are...he wants to see you grow, mature and succeed in your life and ministry. You can't do that sitting still, letting time pass, and thinking that simply going to Church on Sunday is "enough spirituality" for your life...invest the time while you still have the privilege...don't wait for an incentive!!