My favorite professor in seminary (preaching school) when we were in the midst of exegesis (trying to figure out what the Bible means) used to tell us “It isn’t that complicated!” Unfortunately, we preacher types in the effort to sound educated and scholarly often make living the Christian life more complicated than it has to be.
Take a few moments to consider some thoughts about living the Christian life without unnecessary complications:
Start each day with a conversation with God. Preachers call this prayer, but it really isn’t anything more than a good talk with the one who loves and cares for us the most.
Consult and face the challenges of your life with the principles found in the Bible (God’s thoughts and directions). With all of the study guides available in print and electronic form, no one has an excuse for not knowing the truths that are found in the Bible.
Seek to know the Lord for yourself. Too often our knowledge of the Lord comes from parents, preachers, teachers or the latest bestselling book. Actually knowing someone is far more gratifying than knowing about them.
Show honor and respect to others. You have to admit that this is tough because we live in a time where the more profane and crude a movie, stand-up comic or primetime television program is the more popular it is. Jesus taught that we are to show honor and respect to everyone whether they deserve it or return it.
Live a life of contentment regardless of your circumstances. Someone said that when life is difficult you have two choices: either get better or get bitter. Unfortunately many choose the latter. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians, chapter 4, verse 16: “So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. (NRSV)
Lastly, live in the anticipation of the return of Christ. I’m not one who dwells on finding the time, date and moment when Christ will return. I have too much to do and try to accomplish before that blessed event. However I do look forward to what is being prepared not only for me, but for all who confess Christ as Lord. Jesus prayed: “Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given me because You loved Me before the creation of the world.” (TNIV)
It Doesn’t Have to Be that Complicated!
Take a few moments to consider some thoughts about living the Christian life without unnecessary complications:
Start each day with a conversation with God. Preachers call this prayer, but it really isn’t anything more than a good talk with the one who loves and cares for us the most.
Consult and face the challenges of your life with the principles found in the Bible (God’s thoughts and directions). With all of the study guides available in print and electronic form, no one has an excuse for not knowing the truths that are found in the Bible.
Seek to know the Lord for yourself. Too often our knowledge of the Lord comes from parents, preachers, teachers or the latest bestselling book. Actually knowing someone is far more gratifying than knowing about them.
Show honor and respect to others. You have to admit that this is tough because we live in a time where the more profane and crude a movie, stand-up comic or primetime television program is the more popular it is. Jesus taught that we are to show honor and respect to everyone whether they deserve it or return it.
Live a life of contentment regardless of your circumstances. Someone said that when life is difficult you have two choices: either get better or get bitter. Unfortunately many choose the latter. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians, chapter 4, verse 16: “So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. (NRSV)
Lastly, live in the anticipation of the return of Christ. I’m not one who dwells on finding the time, date and moment when Christ will return. I have too much to do and try to accomplish before that blessed event. However I do look forward to what is being prepared not only for me, but for all who confess Christ as Lord. Jesus prayed: “Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given me because You loved Me before the creation of the world.” (TNIV)
It Doesn’t Have to Be that Complicated!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment