Obedience from the Heart

As I distance myself from legalistic teachings — a focus on strict following of rules rather than obeying from the heart — a graciousness comes in that says, God loves you; I am no better than you; I am a simple follower of His way, truth, and life; and it is well with my soul.

We can argue, disagree, and condemn, but get nothing for our efforts. However, we can pray, intercede and plead with God as we bring our concerns to Him and place our trust in Him. Prayer is where the power rests. Not in our way but in God’s way comes forth the answer.

Deconstructing?

There is a lot going on in the Church today. Some has been a long time in coming. The Church has drifted from its moorings. It’s lost its first love. People are leaving the faith. People are sick of inauthentic Christianity. And some are tired of it all. Some have quit believing the gospel.

Why? I’m no expert, but I believe we have become enamored with its teachings more than we have become faithful to its message. On the other hand, many find it easier and less traumatic to not believe, than to pretend a false belief. Gulp. What did we miss? What went wrong? What gives?

The message has weakened as the messengers lose the purity of the message. Christ came to save sinners. Christ came to set people free. Christ came to give new life. Christ came to put us on a new path, the Kingdom road to joy, peace, hope, and love. True believers will experience healing, freeing, strengthening, life, help, and renewal on this road they’re traversing.

A genuine faith walks close with the Savior. This walk is not scripted nor routine. It has life to it. We cannot do it in our own strength, though we sometimes try. God is our Source. He is our completeness. His life in our life produces fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”*

Rather than deconstructing their Christian beliefs by throwing the baby out with the bathwater, like many are doing, we would be well-served to reconstruct our Christian beliefs by getting rid of what is man-made while at the same time embracing what is of God. Think on what is true, noble, and of good report. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”**

Reconstructing?

You can self-assess to see where you’re at in this.

1. Do I exhibit love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?
2. Do I think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable?
3. Does it originate in my soul and from the Word as I meditate on it, or is it of human effort, and guilt- and shame-based?
4. Does my spiritual life give life to my soul?
5. Am I able to manage the troubles in life without being destroyed by them?

Christianity is not an easy journey. And it doesn’t make us super human beings. We trip up and fall, and get discouraged. God waits for us to trust Him with all of it. He can be our peace in the storm. He is our Rock, our Fortress, and Deliverer. Let Him enliven you, energize your spirit, and keep you enfolded in His care. There you will find blessedness.

A simple prayer

Father God, You know who is reading this, who needs this, who is overwhelmed, hurting, or struggling. You know the desires of their heart. Help them, dear God. Be their comfort and cheer, their help and their guide. You are so good to us. You are faithful and kind. Thank you. Help us to come alive in you. Help us to trust You more. We praise You. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.

*Galatians 5:22-23, **Philippians 4:8

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Photo by Federico Respini, Unsplash