Are You a "Dedicated" Christian?

"I am God's wheat, and I shall be ground by the teeth of beasts, that I may become the pure bread of Christ."  - Ignatius of Antioch 

Weekly, I come into contact with many people who have questions about Christ and/or the church. Interestingly, most of them have either tried "the church thing" and left, and now are thinking of returning. Or they are feeling that they are losing motivation, desire, or interest in their faith and don't know what to do.

I have found that this isn't an uncommon phenomenon. When one commits themself to Christ it is a big, life-changing decision. Initially the spiritual high is enough to carry most new followers along for a while. But what happens when it begins to taper off?

We attend church regularly, participate in Bible study groups, help out in community service, and even volunteer in the church nursery, yet we're feeling like it's all slipping away. We start to wonder, "This isn't the way it's supposed to be...is it?"

Sometime ago I ran across this quotation by Francis Bacon; Renaissance philosopher, and statesman, "It is not what men eat but what they digest that makes them strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; not what we preach but what we practice that makes us Christians."

After reading it, I began to think how this paragraph applies to our Christian walk. Let's begin with the first sentence, "It is not what men eat but what they digest that makes them strong." It all commences with the spiritual food we ingest.

Daily Bible reading provides sustenance which in turn strengthens our faith. If we're not feeding our hearts a daily helping of Jesus we are essentially depriving ourselves of a main source of "spiritual nourishment."

Next, "not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich." When we place too much emphasis on earthly wealth we lose focus on Christ. Jesus died for our sins on the cross. By doing so, He saved us from eternal damnation. Through His sacrifice we gained so much more than all the riches of this life.

Then, "not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned." Are you really learning and applying what you've read in the Bible, and heard in sermons? Simply flipping through the pages of scripture and taking up seat-space in church serves no real purpose.

And finally, "not what we preach but what we practice that makes us Christians." We, Christians, must "walk the walk and talk the talk." How can we exemplify what Jesus taught if we don't set a good example through our own words and actions?

Jesus told his disciples that following Him wouldn't be easy (Matthew 10:22; 24:9; 2 Timothy 3:12). But, He would be there every step of the way (Matthew 28:20). This same assurance applies to all who follow Him today and always.

I feel that far too many give up much too soon. You made an important decision when you came to Christ. Becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ is a life-long commitment (Philippians 3:14). Stay strong, stay faithful!

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3; Matthew 22:37; James 4:8; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 1:21

Prayer: Dear Lord, whenever I find myself starting to drift away, I call out to You and You gently guide me safely back to Your loving arms; no questions asked. Thank you for your mercy and patience with me. Amen

God bless you!

Gwendolyn