Daily Devotional

PICKING AND CHOOSING IS NOT THE WAY

April 24

hild of God, do you know what your Christian walk is really supposed to be like? Well, the aim of your Father is for your life in Christ to be ever increasing in joy, peace, assurance in Him, selfless, other-centered thinking and acting. Your Father wants you to bear such fruit for the Kingdom that when you stand before Him in the judgment, you will have a great reward in His eternity in heaven. Well, what about it? Are these things abundant and clearly happening in your life? Or, do you say, "It looks like I am little more at times than a 'survivor.'" In other words, are you so bogged down with trouble, insecurity, fear, uncertainty about your place with God that you have almost no time to spend in joyful, vibrant work in the Kingdom? Reread portions of the book of Acts. Also, read in I, II, and III John. It is imperative that you discuss your dissatisfaction openly with your Father in Heaven. You may need to discover if you have a cafeteria type of Christian lifestyle. This means that you are too much in control of your own life. You are choosing what you like and do not like in serving the Lord. You live a life of "convenience," rather than having the Holy Spirit take strong control of your life and walk in Christ. If you have conflict frequently with other Christians and leaders, it may mean that you are stubborn, self-willed and in control of your own life in the Lord. This will not work for you! There is no such thing as a "self-made" Christian! You may need to repent of your pride and self-will, and allow yourself to humble yourself to become part of the Body of Christ in the place where you live. Listen to the Holy Spirit through others. Submit to leadership from those who are wise in the Lord and to those who have been sent to have the oversight over you. Yes, again repent and force yourself (subdue your pride and let go of the control of your own life) to participate in the local Body of Christ. So, what if your beliefs aren't perfectly aligned with everyone else? Don't participate at the point of your differences with others, but fellowship with the Body of Christ at the points of your agreements. You will get so much more done when you walk with the family of God than by isolating yourself. There are many others who want to see the Church of Jesus Christ come "alive" among them. Look at Ephesians 4: 4) ". . . (You), endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Are you really doing that with other members of the Body of Christ, or are you living out your own self-created lifestyle of Christianity? Now, find some others who walk in love and grace and join with them. Alone, you will never have the true peace and growth or maturity that comes through fellowship and interaction with others in a committed way. Are you listening?

Prayer

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Father, I have used my excuses to keep me separate from other Christians. They just don't seem to understand me and my beliefs. I see this as a means of separation and excluding on my part. Forgive me Father, and join my heart to the Body of Christ in a healthy and healing way. I will not allow pride and self-styled Christianity to rule me any longer, in the name of Jesus, amen!