If you ever attended church for a period of time, you probably know the basics — foundations of faith, popular stories, how to be a “good” person, etc. Eventually, you might get to a point where you “know enough” and decide that doing the bare minimum is fine, just keeping your head above the water. It’s all fun and games until the waves start. Slowly at first, bobbing your head underwater, but then the waves get large enough that you begin to drown. You can’t get above the surface long enough to catch a breath. The longer you’re under, the deeper down you’re dragged until there’s almost no way to come back. Doing the bare minimum isn’t what followers of Christ are called to.
The book of James says this:
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (James 1:22–25)
God provides us His Word so we can understand Him better.
Recently my church had a sermon (spoiler alert, it’s my dad preaching. If you’re interested in listening to Big T preach, listen to the sermon here) on how we live now that we’re saved. Our sins are forgiven through the acceptance of Christ’s death and resurrection, but because we’re forgiven that doesn’t mean we should continue to sin freely. Here’s the point — even though we are now saved, we should not sin as much as we want with no conviction. The goal should never be, “ask for forgiveness later.” Because we are now in Christ, we should do our best not to sin. Everyone sins, but as followers of Jesus we wrestle against our selfish desires and push to serve God. When we mess up, there isn’t a lightning strike waiting for us. God is ready to take us back every time because Jesus’ sacrifice covered all sin, no extra payment required.
But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. (Romans 6:17–18)
Do you have the mentality of only hearing the Word but not applying it? Knowing your stuff but keeping it tucked away as a reminder only when it’s convenient to you? I have to check myself every day to make sure I’m actually giving my all to God and not trying to coast by with “just enough.” He knows my heart and He knows yours too. You might be kidding yourself and the people around you, but don’t try the same with God. He sees right through us. Every time.
If you’re in a place of only hearing, I encourage you to reconsider your priorities. Here’s a few things I do to turn in the right direction.
- Thank God for His constant grace. Even when I mess up or turn away from Him, He’s there with open arms ready to bring me back in.
- Ask God for guidance and wisdom on how I should live intentionally according to His will.
- Get in the Word. If I’m not reading my Bible, I will struggle to have a consistent relationship with God. I can hear so many sermons, podcasts, and worship songs, but if I don’t pick up my Bible to hear the words God has for me, it’s that much harder to understand how to live my life.
- Serve. I serve at church on average 2–3 times a month. Your time investment may look different from mine. If you have the ability, take time to serve others whether in a ministry setting or other places.
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:26)
If you are not satisfied with where you’re at, take these steps and begin making changes. If you’re in a strong place spiritually keep it up, but also come alongside those who are struggling or in need of guidance.
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17).
As followers of Christ, it is imperative to rely on and lift each other up. At times it may be necessary to come alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ and truthfully advise when they are living in or habitually sinning without conviction or attempt to change. While it’s important to be honest with each other, it should always be done in a loving manner. In case that last part wasn’t clear, this also means not to spew hate on social media under the guise of preaching the Bible. Beating someone over the head with the Bible — right, wrong, or indifferent — is never the answer to guiding a fellow believer or unbeliever in their struggles.
Every person is to live a life that glorifies God and share His gift of salvation with the world. Eternity is at stake, there are people who need to hear about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It’s time to get out and spread the word.
If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity. — C.S. Lewis
