Grace Needed For The Christian Life, Part 1

Christians are often called by another name. We refer to ourselves as believers. Have you ever taken the time to reflect on this label and what it connotes for our lives? Allow me to meddle a bit. Here are some verses that believers don’t really believe.

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” Luke 12:15.

Who do you know that actually believes this verse? Our lives as Americans reflect nothing of the sort. Our cars, clothes, and homes tell the world that we believe just what the world believes: life consists in the abundance of stuff. Here is another verse we don’t believe

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” Acts 20:35.

If we really believed that it is more blessed to give than to receive, then every bonus, pay raise, or inheritance would immediately leave our hands and be given to those less fortunate. But if the truth were known (and it is), our first thoughts are how we can spend it on ourselves. What addition can we put on the house, what cruise can I take, or what new toy can I buy? The truth is we are unbelieving believers. We truly have believed in Christ for salvation but this call to a sacrificial life we want nothing to do with. There are times when we feel guilty because we can’t seem to obey these impossible demands. Tomorrow’s blog will explain how we can find victory. But for now, I will leave you with these words: We believe only what we act on; all the rest is just religious talk. That’s the way I see things.