“People drink their coffee hot or cold. But nobody likes it lukewarm. Not even the Lord.” This unusual statement by Miss Clara (The War Room.) is not referring to any beverage but rather our relationship with the Lord.
God wants us to give him our all and to be part of every aspect of our lives. He doesn’t want to be some emergency contact that we only become interested in when its convenient to us.
Are we as fully focused on God and our relationship with him as we think? Or are we like that lukewarm coffee, and are simply content with our weekly trips to church and occasional prayer or bible reading times?
Sunday morning Christians
We've all seen those people. The ones who turn up to church every Sunday in their best clothes, and seem to do and say all the right things. But unfortunately that’s as far as it goes. Because once church is over they walk out of the door and go back to their normal lives and forget about God.
That is until something goes wrong and He becomes their last resort. But if going to church every Sunday isn't enough, then what does it take to be a Christian?
Joyce Meyer was once quoted in saying, “Just because you go to church doesn't mean you are a Christian. I can go and sit in the garage all day and it doesn't make me a car.”
So if going to church every Sunday isn't enough, then what else does God expect us to do? James chapter 2, verse 24 states: “you see a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.”
So as well as going to church on Sunday, it’s clear that God expects us to show our faith through our good deeds throughout the week and not just when the time suits us.
Celebrity status
Many celebrities have professed their faith in the Lord over the years and have publicly thanked Him during acceptance speeches and tributes. But do these people glorify God with their actions as well as their words?
“These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me." (Matthew chapter 15, verse 8)
Celebrities such as actor Kirk Cameron and sports man Tim Tebow are well known for publicly professing their Christian faith with deeds such as Kirk Cameron refusing to partake in acting scenes that he saw as inappropriate or R rated. Tim Tebow was also known to drop to his knee in prayer after a touchdown during a football game.
Biblical perspective
The bible has plenty of examples of what is expected of a true follower of Jesus, but a key theme seems to be love. “Dear friends, since God so loved us we ought to love one another.” (1 John chapter 4, verse 11).
It seems to me that God is simply asking us to do what He did on earth. That is to show unconditional love to everyone around us and be willing to help them anyway that we can. This seems simple enough. But God also wants to have a relationship with us.
Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (James chapter 4, verse 8).
Conclusion
So it seems pretty simple right? Love your neighbor, go to church and perform good deeds. But the true test is in your relationship with God. He's not simply there for a Sunday visit or as an emergency contact. God wants to be part of all of your life and is simply waiting for you to find Him.
My name is Kate and I love gardening, exercising, and being involved with my church social groups. I have loved to write from a young age, and took up poetry as a teenager. I have recently got married and am enjoying getting used to married life.
My name is Kate and I love gardening, exercising, and being involved with my church social groups. I have loved to write from a young age, and took up poetry as a teenager. I have recently got married and am enjoying getting used to married life.