Okay folks, before you go running for the exits, hitting the escape button or otherwise tuning out this post; please bear with me for just one paragraph before you split. I am going to climb up on a soapbox, but not to preach about the obesity that runs rampant in American society. At 6”4” and 315 pounds, that would be a bit like the guilty throwing the first stone. I will rather today, preach about a complacency that is thriving in our churches today. Particularly in the western world.
Many, too many, Christians have fallen into a trap. We congregate in our Churches on the Sabbath, sing praises, recite prayers, hear the Word of God, many take Communion, we smile and visit with one another and we go home to go about our week. We feel we have done out duty to our God. Dearly beloved, this is the shame we bear. We have come to Christ’s table. We have partaken of the very Body of Christ. And we feel good about ourselves, in that we have done as we should. However, we have not exercised our duty to our Savior. We eat but do not exercise. All too many of us do not even consider the discipleship to which we are called. We are called to spread the Gospel of Christ “even to the ends of the earth.”
It is not enough
It is not enough to go to Church only. It surely isn’t enough to grow a congregation, teach and preach and praise within the confines of our beloved buildings. As disciples, we must be the Body of Christ outside those four walls. A lot of us can not remember the last time, if ever, when we simply mentioned the name of Jesus to someone in our day to day world. Are we being an example of Christ’s teaching to others? If we are not showing love for our fellow man we are not doing enough.
Fear is the tool of the Devil
I believe that many of us are being held back as disciples by fear of some sort. We may be afraid of rejection, or of ridicule. Possibly that we might not know what to say. Some may feel that they cannot quote enough scripture. I think that these thoughts are put in our heads by the evil one. If we falter here he is ecstatic.
The Devil is a Liar
The evil one is the Supreme Liar and we have Truth on our side. We can always speak of the truth of how God has worked in our own lives. Who can dispute the beauty of your own personal experiences with the Love of Christ? If you have seen God work a miracle in your life, by all means, tell someone, tell everyone! We probably shouldn’t stand on a busy street corner with a sign and a megaphone, but we absolutely must speak up. We don’t have to close the deal, but we must approach the subject. It is easier than you may think and it feels so good.
Discipleship…If not you, who?
Christ gave us the Great Commission. I don’t think he meant only the eleven disciples to follow his words. It is hard for me to fathom that Jesus meant for his followers to practice his instructions for just a little while. In the Anglican Faith, after sharing communion, our priests will offer this prayer before our recessional.
Heavenly Father,
From the Book of Common Prayer, Anglican Church of North America
we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious body and blood
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the body of your Son,
and heirs of your eternal Kingdom.
And now Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
We eat but we do not exercise
One of the big reasons that Christianity is taking such a beating today is that, as Christians, we are not taking what we have been given and giving that gift to others. The Love of Christ is meant to be shared. Discipleship requires action. We eat but we do not exercise! We must discharge the duties we have been given, get out of our comfort zone. Go forth and share the Light with this darkened world.
Before I end in prayer, I would like to thank Reverend Canon Keith Allen of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, Mississippi for laying these thoughts on my heart. God bless you always, my Brother.
Blessed Creator of all that is visible and invisible, thank you for loving us so much that you sent your Son to die for us, giving us eternal life. Go with us, I pray, as we endeavor to go about the work you have given us to do. Quiet our fears, filling us with the power of the Holy Spirit and give us Grace to carry the Love of Christ even to the ends of the earth. In Jesus’ Holy name I pray. Amen
