Narrow The Gap
Narrow the gap between what you know to do and what you actually do.
When people disobey God, there is applause in Hell.
The soldiers in Iraq wear between 40-60 lbs. of body armor in 120+ degree heart. It is difficult, and uncomfortable, but it is a matter of life and death. They learn to carry the load, to drink extra water, and to not neglect that which protects them and saves the lives of their comrades.
Many Christians are unwilling to “put on the full armor of God”, because it interrupts their lifestyle. It means reducing time at the gym, cutting back on playing video games, skipping some shopping, or skipping a movie. (None of which are wrong)
They then wonder why they become spiritual casualties in this cosmic war. They wonder why their friends become wounded and incapacitated. They wonder why marriages break up, kids rebel, hearts are broken, and churches split. They blame the culture, the Devil, the pastor. They blame God.
And yet, many times, they themselves are unwilling to recognize the battle and make the needed spiritual changes.
The US soldier in Iraq grows accustomed to the extra effort needed for safety and victory. They change their lifestyle, and then it becomes natural to them to live by making the extra effort.
May we who follow Christ understand that we are in a War. May we purposely and with great intention, do what God tells us to do. May we become accustomed to a more purposeful lifestyle than what we have. May we actually do the things we say we believe are important. May we be blessed as we see God’s mighty hand changing people’s lives for good. May we experience the fact that it is well worth our effort to increasingly live the Christian life.
To quote Warren Wiersbe- The Christian life is not a playground, it is a battleground”.
“Put on the full armor of God”.
8 Responses so far
Okie Preacher
July 28th, 2009
5:14 am
Great article Bill; you’ve hit the nail on the head. Many simply want a comfortable lifestyle with all the toys and money they can handle. Jesus referred to the danger of this in Matthew 13:22: “…the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”
Also, Luke 21:34: “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.”
I wonder how many will be surprised and even embarrassed when Jesus catches them unaware?
Bill Holdridge
July 29th, 2009
11:00 am
Double thumbs up Amen, Pastor Bill. That is strong exhortation, needed by me and I’m sure many others.
pstrmike
July 29th, 2009
11:11 am
Strong exhortation in deed……… and needful. Definitely taking this to heart, thanks.
al
July 29th, 2009
11:17 am
enlightened, convicted and convinced!
thanks.
Bob Sweat
July 29th, 2009
12:44 pm
Thank you Bill for your words! “When people disobey God, there is applause in Hell.” I regret the applause that I have received, but I’m so thankful that my failures have been covered by the blood of Christ.
Lucy
July 29th, 2009
2:59 pm
This will be copied and kept to be read periodically to myself and children. Thanks Pastor Bill!
White Horses
January 2nd, 2010
7:19 am
I just recently found this blog site and have been reading a lot of your articles. This is excellent. God has given you amazing words to share. I am looking forward to reading more! God bless you!
candace gholson
August 24th, 2010
8:51 pm
absolutely agree we must put on the whole armour of god. what do we do when our leader, our president tells us we can only get to heaven by “collective salvation” what, as christians do we do, stand passively and listen. many young people in our high schools and colleges are hearing this reteric. what are we to do? should we as christians stand up for what we belive in , like Jerimiah wright, obama’s preacher for 20 years
Leave a comment