But but but

Sometimes I wonder what we, as believers, believe ... and where we're willing to fudge.

Whether for convenience, whether to "get along," or whether we're willing to embrace whatever seems necessary to keep peace with the world ... is there a familiar point when our faith feels like an obstacle, a hurdle to get past ... a quiet issue that's "personal and private" ... and Compromise or Indifference becomes our witness, instead of Christ?

Be honest.

Do we really believe Christ never sinned- not one single time? Do we really believe the Son of God came to earth and loved us so much that he was willing to take our place on the cross? And that Christ really/actually/literally/no kidding rose from the dead not only to save us, but to live within those who believe?

But but but ... well sure, yeah ... but but but.

But but but ... who are we kidding?


-- -- --

I wonder how many of us, when our private plans and agendas ... the pieces and ornaments of our lives ... don't fall perfectly into place according to our schedule, would confess to having doubts about how much they believe the gospel- or would admit to just getting by from day to day- uncertain whether Christ is really relevant in the 21st century- and live according to a I-Guess-Christ-Is-Real, I'll-Play-It-Safe-Just-In-Case faith ... and then get mad at God or give up when their prayers seem to go unanswered, and merely exist day to day with fear, frustration, anger, jealousy, envy and uncertainty controlling, dominating and containing their hearts?

And then wonder why God feels so absent from their lives.


"The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
- 1 John 2:4-6


Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
- 1 John 2:15-17

Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.
- John 14:21