CARE LESS CHRISTIANS

JESUS impressed and pressed His disciples: “Watch!” he warned. Only those who are “Ready” will be at the Marriage feast.  (See the Parable of the 10 Virgins, Matthew 25:1-13)

The Writer to the Hebrews was clear, “Pay careful attention…don’t slip…” (Hebrews 2:1)

Paul urged, “Wake up!” Don’t walk like “fools.”  (Ephesians 5:14)  Look around you, the days are evil, he wrote.

Since everything is headed for destruction, and everyone is headed for judgment, Peter pressed, “Be diligent” (2 Peter 3:14).  Make every effort, do all that you can do to be ready for that moment.

The Scriptures couldn’t be clearer.  Live your life for Christ at the cutting edge—at that wonderful place where the will of God intersects with your life. 

Yet, one of the greatest hazards confronting Christians is CARE-LESS-NESS.

Some call it “apathy.”  The word means exactly what it sounds like.  “A” means “not,” or “without.” “Pathy” means “Passion.”  Apathy means “without passion.”

Everyone who has tasted and seen that the Lord is good knows that they ought to be CAREFUL, PASSIONATE, ACTIVE Christians. 

Many who have started to follow Christ know that they are not as CAREFUL, PASSIONATE, and ACTIVE as the Lord wants them to be.

BUT THOSE WHO ARE IN THE GRAVEST DANGER ARE those who know what they ought to be but for some reason THEY JUST DON’T CARE ANYMORE.

Sometimes married couples go through times when their passion for one another cools.  Only fools suggest those couples should head for divorce court.

Expert counselors know, “If you go through the motions, you will soon feel the emotions.” 

Husband, take your wife a bouquet of flowers and hold her close when you meet.  Wife, dress nicely, fix your hair like he likes it, and greet your husband with a smile and a tender kiss. 

When a husband treats his wife like he did when he was trying to win her, it’s amazing how those emotions return.  When a wife begins to treat her husband like she did when she was trying to capture his heart, she too will feel her love renewed. 

AND SO IT IS WITH THE BRIDE OF CHRIST!

Knowing all that the LORD JESUS has done for us, and understanding the ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES for ourselves and for those who are looking to us for spiritual guidance, we make a conscious choice to do the things we ought to do, even if we don’t feel like doing them.

WE READ THE WORD OF GOD.  The less you read the Word, the less you believe the Word.  God always blesses those who immerse themselves in His Word.  Start with Philippians.

WE TAKE TIME TO TALK TO GOD.   Absence doesn’t make the heart grow fonder—it makes the heart grow colder.  Relationships require communication. Be intentional as you pray—allowing time for God to speak to you.

WE GATHER WITH GOD’S PEOPLE.  The Bible urges us, “Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together…”  There is an amazing spiritual chemistry that happens when God’s people gather together to worship Him.  Between services we reach out to other Christians for encouragement and help.

WE INVEST IN HELPING OTHERS.  Nothing will revive passion-less Christianity like following our Lord’s example of ministering to others.  This may include sharing our faith, but it is the sacrificial giving of our time and talent and  caring for those in need that restores the joy of the Lord in us.  After Jesus washed the disciple’s feet He encouraged them “You’ll be happy if you follow my example.”

WE WALK, TAKING SMALL STEPS AT FIRST, WITH THE LORD.  Carelessness is spiritually paralyzing.  That’s why it’s important to get up and get moving, even taking small steps.  There is great comfort and assurance for those who walk with the Lord.

So if CARE-LESS-NESS has robbed you of your JOY IN THE LORD, seek HIM now.  Then intentionally, with or without feeling, take these 5 steps. 

Then when the cry goes out, “Here Comes the Groom!” you’ll be ready, with your spiritual lamp fueled by the Holy Spirit and a blazing with the love of God.