I have been disturbed for two days by a quote I used in the post for Tuesday called "Law, laws, and the Gospel." I was quoting Paul Zahl as he was discussing an Evangelical woman. He said, "She is wholly sold out to the gospel just so long as it doesn't come anywhere near her real life."
I have seen and known this woman in every town I have pastored. I have met her at churches. I even think I have lived like this woman!
So, why do so many who profess faith act just like those who do not believe? This is a haunting question. As one of my co-workers at Grace observed, "So many live like practical atheists."
How do those who profess knowing the life-changing power of Christ end up living like "practical atheists?" I know from my own experience that there are many times in life when at best we are treading water in our faith. Often because of great blessings, we become content and lazy. Slowly our passion for the gospel and for God becomes hallow and cold.
During these times, it would be such a blessing if we could realize we are in deep trouble! Unfortunately, in our fallen state, it often takes emergencies, health issues, or great loss to get our attention so we realize afresh our need for God.
Others don't just have seasons of life marked by lack of passion for God and the gospel, but they have an overall life marked by this lack of passion. If this is you, I am really writing to you! My guess is that you are quite moral and you feel remorse for your bad decisions. You might even be faithful church attenders. I would guess that you are respectable, steady, and loyal.
The real problem is that you are not real comfortable involving the Living God in your daily life. When we live without passion for God, we always demonstrate a lack of comfort with God. There is no intimacy with Christ.
I am reminded of a quote by 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 are not marked by God's Spirit or power.
"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)
Given these opening statements, let's ask a few very personal questions.
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. Take time to be still before the Lord. Talk with Him in prayer. Ask for grace to honestly answer these questions!
The source of life change is a living relationship with God. A relationship marked by comfort and intimacy. Do you know how to have such a relationship?
The first step is brokenness. For some, this sounds really terrifying! It means recognizing and confessing your lack of control. It means repenting of your heart attitude against God. You were created for a life of dependence upon God, not independence which demands God bless you! Confess your need and look in faith for Christ to meet your need by grace.
The second step is to get with other believers for encouragement and discipleship. Find someone more mature in the faith and ask them to meet with you. In the community of faith, study the scriptures and pray. Confess your sin. Walk in faith in real life. Learn how to acknowledge God's presence and grace in moment to moment living. Do not be satisfied with anything less than more of God's presence and grace in every aspect of your life!
May each of us who profess to believe, escape the trap of living like a practical atheist.
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