Christianity And Us

Christianity and Us

We all have a desire to be included in the 144,000 that go to heaven when Christ comes again. Yet, have we fully considered what it will take to be included in that group? Have we mistakenly made the assumption that since we were baptized and attend church every week that we have an automatic ticket to heaven? I believe that it is very important, in fact, critical that we look carefully at what it takes to be the type of Christian that will be able to enter heaven for eternity.

Obviously the first thing that we must consider is who, or what, is our God? Will it be the god with a little g, or the God with a big g? Is our god one that we can feel and touch such as material possessions, money, television, or prestige? Or, is it the God of heaven? We cannot have both. Open your Bible to Matthew 6:24;No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

This admonition should remind us of our limitations. We are not computers that can multi-task. We cannot operate with our right brain serving God and our left brain concentrating on acquisitions of power and material objects. Turn with me to 1 Corinthians 10:21; 21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord?s table and the table of demons. 22Are we trying to arouse the Lord?s jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

A Christian that tries to serve God on Sabbath and than fulfill his own wants and desires the rest of the week is just treading water. He is not getting anywhere in his spiritual life. He is not putting Christ first in his life. Christ must always be first and foremost in your personal life.

I love bumper sticker theology. It may not always be the most sound theological statements, but they generally at least have the ability to make you think. The one in particular that I am thinking about said, "God is my Co-pilot." Do you remember the sticker? It took a great deal of heat. Perhaps that heat is what made a new saying come out. It has been seen more on church signs. Church sign theology is also kind of fun. This one says, "If God is your Co-Pilot, change seats."

Too many Christians have been saved by the grace of God, yet have continued to serve two masters. They want to do things their way, and they want God to comply. It doesn?t work that way. Indeed, you will get into trouble quickly and eventually find yourself hiding amongst the rocks and caves when Christ returns instead of standing with the joyous crowd singing praises to Christ at the second coming. The only way to defeat the devil is to put Christ first in our lives. Always.

When does a Christian get in the most trouble? When they decide to rely on themselves. When they decide to go it alone. When they decide to not associate with other Christians, to separate themselves from the church and God. This allows easy access for Satan to enter into their lives.

When Jesus was by himself in the desert what happened? Up popped Satan to make his presence known. But what did Jesus do? He maintained that link with his Father. He kept the knowledge of his heavenly presence in his heart and soul. If you are off by yourself and the devil comes calling, you better have the knowledge of Christ in your heart and soul and a strong prayer link to heaven or you are lost.

Turn to Matthew 12:30; ?He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.

Again, one cannot serve two masters. We must tie ourselves to Christ and never let go.

Don?t ever think that when you are by yourself that nobody is watching. Don?t think that when you are separated from other Christians that you can commit a small sin and get away with it. God see?s all, the good and the bad. And like Santa Claus, He is keeping a list and He will be checking it!

Everything that we do.

Everything that we say.

Everything that we are - must be acceptable to Christ.

Is He acceptable to who you are today? If not, then you must start praying. Pray without ceasing, asking God for guidance on how to get your life in order so that it may become acceptable and pleasing to Him.

Is He accepting of what you do today,