Drain, detours and discounts

Continuing from the previous articles, we’re examining the cultural weights, winds, trends and so-called friends that impede our individual and corporate spiritual progress. This week let’s take a look at Drain, Detours, and Discounts.

Drain - Drain saps your life. There are more Christians today who do come to church that are absolutely worn out than ever before. Daniel 7:25 gives us a clue concerning this, the end time anti-Christ spirit is at work even now through our culture working to ‘wear out’ the saints of God. We must come to Jesus and exchange our way for his way.

Detours -  Crisis and mobility are built in hazards and/or excuses today. Whether it’s moving away, moving next door, having someone move in such as an elderly parent or an adult child; whether it’s a job crisis, a health crisis, or a marital crisis; they serve as detours along our journey of faith. Any major moment in life is a dividing point for faith. In these moments, the natural instinct is to separate. In such situations, if the person is not back in church within six months, they won’t be for the next five years. Disconnecting--disengaging is deadly spiritually.

When faced with life’s detours, we must be decisive about re-engaging!

Discounts -  One-stop-shopping at bargain rates has conditioned people to expect the same from church; discount-discipleship, where we expect more, but commit less. AJ Chesterton said, “Christianity is not tried and found wanting, but rather found hard and not tried.” Jesus said repeatedly to all who would follow, “take up your cross”. He even said, it was a ‘daily’ decision. The rich young ruler went away sorrowful at this prospect. It seems the ‘Jesus Way’ and ‘Our Way’ are at odds with each other. Our way seems to be easy-cheesy christianity and Discount-discipleship. We don’t get to change the rules in order to gain more followers. We’re supposed to be making disciples of Jesus...not of ourselves. Vance Havner said, “What our Lord said about cross-bearing and obedience is not in fine type. It is in bold print on the face of the contract.”

(To contact Tony McKinnon call 824- 7391 or e-mail at fwc@wkybb.net)