If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 1:1-4 (NASV)
Choosing to belong to Christ is a simple but difficult decision. Wanting to belong is simple, but living for Christ on a daily basis is commonly difficult. Choosing baptism is simple if you believe in Christ and turn from your sins. The challenge is to live for him day in and out in all our relationships, in all our situations, and in all our involvements.
If it were just a matter of developing a “going to church” habit, that is simple. Show up, be there, and endure. If that is all that is involved, Christianity would be a simple task. “Do it, and forget it.”
However, Christian commitment is not that simple. The Bible commitment is never described as a “membership” or an “attendance.” It is a lifestyle—involving sacrifice and servitude. It is a choice, and if the circumstances are considered, an inconvenient choice. It is a choice that focuses on who you are as a person, and the person you wish to be.
Christianity (following Christ) demands we decide “who we are.” Frankly, that is a decision most of us would rather not make. We had rather our family, our involvements, our indulgences, our jobs, our associations, or our situations make that choice. In fact, most of us would rather be many persons and merely adapt “who we are” to the circumstance we happen to be in at that moment.
No, we are not talking about being obnoxious as we with a mean spirit confront everyone we encounter. We are talking about “being” and “sharing” because we have the courage to be! In this society (and in many others) it is what we are coupled with what we share that attracts people to our God and our Savior. Being is much more deliberate and demanding than merely saying. “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those in opposition if perhaps God may grant them repentance ...” 2 Timothy 2:24, 25
David Chadwell
Link to other Writings of David Chadwell