What difference does this make? This is one of the key questions each of us should ask on the road to an authentic spirituality. True growing means more and more application. Many times in life we are merely treading water or even going backward in our pursuit of growth as individuals. During these times, we should pause, slow down, and allow God to inform our life. Unfortunately, many of us have not learned how to do this! It takes emergencies, health issues, or great loss to get our attention so we take time to listen. Today, I am reflecting upon an interesting quote from a man named David Adams in his book, The Road of Life: Reflections on Searching and Longing. He hits upon one the great causes of why our spiritual lives often do not reflect authenticity or the character of God.
"One of the sad comments on our time is that our faith is not at home in our homes, our God is not at home in our homes. We have relegated God to the 'holy', to sacred buildings, to services, and so lead most of our lives without him. If our faith, our lives, are to be truly alive we need to have a natural, living relationship with our God in our daily life. Until our faith is expressed in our day-to-day life, it will remain weak and lacking in vigor." (57)
What difference does your faith make in how you relate with your family? At work? When no one is looking? Please take time to consciously and seriously reflect upon this. For many of us who have professed faith for years, we say it makes much difference. Does it really? How different is your actions, your style of relating, your ability to love others than your neighbor who professes no faith? How different are you at work than your office mate who does not walk with the Lord? Are you growing in your ability to love God and neighbor or just treading water?
As we enter another busy summer weekend, I encourage and challenge each of us to think through these questions. Take time to be still before the Lord, with your Bible open, and speak with Him about it. Escape the trap of living like a practical atheist.
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