2008-08-15 - Deliberate
Matthew 11:12 (NIV) From the days of John the Baptist
until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful
men lay hold of it.
Last Sunday, President Bush was in China at Beijing's Kuanjie Protestant
church, Bush said no country or government should "fear the influence" of
freedom of worship.
When I first read our President's quote, I thought, "No! No! No! Don't tell
them to make the church in China like America! Don't make it so easy, so
make them become a church that does nothing, risks nothing, accomplishes
nothing and impacts nothing or no one."
The underground church in China is a vibrant force that is advancing Christianity
far greater than our often lackadaisical churches are here in America. We
are fat and happy. Comfortable in our nice buildings, sitting back praising
a God that has blessed us beyond measure, yet our bestselling books are on
how to get more, have more, accomplish more and do more - but more of what?
It is certainly not more "forceful" in advancing of the kingdom of Heaven.
Is being forceful being obnoxious? Of course not. Rather, it is being deliberate
and passionate about doing our part in God's plan for us. It is taking some
risk. It is getting off the pews and doing something for others and God;
it is impacting the dark world around us with the light that God has given
us.
Now, don't get me wrong here. I am not advocating that any government should
be allowed to enter a place of worship and imprison - or worse kill people
for practicing their faith. But I am pleading for us, as Christians, to be
a vibrant risk-taking force that stands up to culture and lovingly and actively
seeks to advance the church that God designed.
In what part of your life is God calling you to be a forceful person? What
are you doing to advance the Kingdom?
Father, help me and show me what you want me to do to
be a force in advancing your kingdom, in Christ's name, Amen.
David
david@e-devotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org
http://www.e-devotionals.org
2012-01-18 |