So many of us are like Craig Groeschel said at the 2007 Catalyst conference, “We say we believe in God but we live as though He doesn’t exist.” That’s the definition of a Practical Atheist. And I’m not necessarily talking about folks that consider themselves to be on the fringe – just dabbling with Christianity and faith. I’m talking about people that are in the church who have stated that they believe in God and actually participate every now and then. But because of our misunderstandings about who God really is, the way we are “doing” the work of God very well could be destroying the work of God within us. Some of the characteristics of being a Practical Atheist are:
- You say you believe in God but you’re not living in awe of His presence in your life. His existence doesn’t affect how you live.
- You believe in God but you don’t want Him to change your lifestyle.
- You believe in God but you trust money more than you trust Him.
- You believe in God but you really don’t know Him – you don’t have a vibrant, ongoing, growing, intimate relationship with Jesus.
- You say you believe in God but you think your efforts are better than His power.
- You say you believe in God but you begrudgingly serve out of necessity instead out of the joy of your relationship with Him.
- You believe in God but you live as though pleasing people is more important than pleasing Him.
- You say you believe in God, but you don’t think your private life affects your life as a Christian.
And there are numerous other characteristics that could be added to that list. The important thing, however, is this: Are you living like a Practical Atheist? Most Christians would say, “I’m not an atheist! I believe in God!!!” But do you say that you believe in Him and then live as though He doesn’t exist?
Maybe there was once a time when your relationship with Christ was alive and the centerpiece of your life. Then something happened along the way – you got burned or let down a few times so you started relying on your own strength. Like Peter, you started to see the storm and took your eyes off of Jesus. Did you start living by sight and not by faith in God? I believe so many of us have either forgotten or we don’t understand who God really is. If we did, it would dramatically change our lives. Maybe the reason we don’t see any miracles in our life is because we say we believe but it’s only in our head and does not come from a deep, abiding faith in God Almighty. Folks, it’s time to say, “No more”. It’s time to stop trying to control life’s circumstances and situations and allow God to take over... It’s time to see God for who He really is and live as though He’s right beside us, walking with us, holding us up when we can’t stand, and giving us strength to carry on. Because the truth is – that’s what He’s doing! I believe the new sermon series we’re beginning this Sunday is going to be another exciting ride as we travel the road of faith together! Buckle your seatbelts!
0 comments:
Post a Comment