Thursday
September 16th, 2010 . by CarySometimes, I miss the time I could afford to take to do my old Thursday Round Ups. I don’t want my bloglist to think that I’ve forgotten them; so if you would all do me a favor and run down my bloglist on the sidebar and pay those good folks a visit, I would appreciate it. I’m sure they would too.
I was thinking about our fellowship this morning. The message last night included a sidebar by the pastor, referring to some former members who have left to follow a different path. Most of those who have left were sincere brothers and sisters while they were in the fellowship; but once an item was discussed they couldn’t believe it or they couldn’t follow it within the parameters of Christianity.
This begs the question – if you are not willing to follow ALL of the tenets of Christianity, why do you call yourself a Christian? The particular example mentioned last night was in regard to personal accountability, but others have been some pretty basic stuff – things like not having any gods before the One True God (following money instead of God), not being willing to give up a fleshly desire (alcohol to excess, extra-marital sexual relations) or allowing fleshly desires to interfere with your continued relationship with the Christ (again, the extra-marital thing). One brother left our fellowship because of jealousy and covetousness – he could not grasp the concept of a leader who could afford to provide for his family AND have a boat (which, by the way, is freely offered to the group for use).
(as a side note – this leader is blessed by God not only in his personal life, but in his business affairs also – and it is solely because he has consecrated everything to the Lord. he already has one successful business and is embarking on launching another – he has a history of entrepreneurial successes – both current endeavors are in partnership with his brother, who is also a wonderful man of God. watching their success is a testament to the power of faith)
At any rate – last night we covered 1 Corinthians 4-6, and that discussion is what generated these thoughts. Follow God, be successful. Pick and choose which parts to follow, run into issues. Saying you are a Christian is easy. Being and acting as a Christian is another matter entirely, and one where a lot of “Christians” fall.
Watch your step, brothers and sisters.
Chat ya later…
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I’ll not preach at anyone for I am a sinner of the first order and must continually ask for forgiveness for falling short.
But what hurts me most is that it should be SO easy…
Love one another.
And of course I said SHOULD be so easy.
Because it’s mighty difficult to look evil in the face and find a way to love like Christ did.
I’m amazed at how different “Christians” are.
My Bible is different than that of my Catholic brethren.
The language in the King James is different from the language in the New International, which is different from Good News For Modern Man.
Love one another.
Thanks for thought provoking Cary. Be well my brother.
I, too, struggle – which is why I post things like this once in a while. It gets my thoughts going past “the moment” and puts out that I am holding (or, at least, trying) myself to a pretty high standard – and I, too, find myself falling short.
But, I don’t give up. I try again. As long as I keep trying …
You are right, it should be SO EASY. Man makes it difficult.
Thanks for stopping by, GB.
May the Lord bless you. Love your post and thank you for this one. May the grace and power of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. We are His to say and do as He pleases.
In Jesus Name!
Pastor, you are always on my mind. Either because of prayer, or because of something you have said.
A long time ago, I told you that once you had some time and experience under your belt you would become a great Pastor. My enjoyment comes from watching as you grow into that, every day, and seeing your progress as you demand that others around you follow you to that place.
Thank you.
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