Convenience & Christianity

I hear, see and read about one word all the time, and honestly not in a good way; the word being convenience. It seems this day and age that many products we purchase, or have opportunity to purchase, all point to that word as a primary factor. We’re all so busy, and convenience allows us to get more on our to-do list done...or so we think.

When it comes to serving in the church, this word can be very dangerous on a number of levels. The fact is, in my limited life experience, when it comes to ministry: serving and being available to others, the word convenience is usually not what God has in mind. Quite the contrary, He seems to put us in situations that are anything BUT convenient. With this in mind, enjoy the following devotional courtesy of Our Daily Bread, November 29, 2008...some time ago but no less important or appropriate for us as you seek to serve Him. It’s a great reminder that faith, as well as serving God by serving others, should be a way of life:

"A Convenient Christianity"

So many television programs, so little time to watch them. Apparently that’s what our culture thinks, because now technology allows us to see an hour-long program in just 6 minutes or less! The Minisode Network has pruned episodes of popular series into shorter, more convenient packages for interested viewers. “The shows you love—only shorter” is how it’s advertised. All to make our life more convenient.

Some have tried to make the Christian life more convenient. They choose to practice Christianity on Sunday only. They attend a religious service at whatever church makes them most comfortable. They give a small offering and are nice to fellow churchgoers—nothing that requires much effort on their part. That way they can have the rest of the week to themselves, to live as they please.

That would be a convenient Christianity. But we know that following Jesus is a lifestyle and not a Sunday-only convenience. Being a “disciple” calls for giving up our lives for Him (Matt. 16:25). It’s about living as Jesus calls us to live, daily giving up our plans and purposes for His. A relationship with Him causes us to be concerned with our thoughts, decisions, attitudes, and actions—all to make our life joy-filled for us and pleasing to God. Faith in Christ is not just a single step but a life of walking with Him.