Scary Christians

Let's try some word association.
If I say Obedience, you say . . . "dog training," "children," "faith"?
I say Sacrifice, you say . . . "barbaric," "suffering," "love"?
I say Discipline, you say . . . "parents," "spanking," "christian"?

That's good. Now, think about God's perspective on these words.

He doesn't mess around with fickle definitions, or feel good responses. When He gives a command, He expects obedience: immediately.

Some of the blessing He has for His children come only with obedience. When the israelites began their journey through the dessert after crossing the red sea, the Lord said,""If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer" (Exodus 15:26). And He tells us to "Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).

Discipline is often used as a verb, meaning to punish, however, it can also be used as an adjective describing a person or thing. A disciplined person is one who obeys, or does what is right, because he should. Not always because he wants to, but because it is good for him. Very applicable in the areas of excercise, marriage, devotions, bible study, witnessing, going to bed on time, getting up early . . . you can fill in the blank. Discipline is key to being effective in any area, and most importantly, spiritually.

Anyone who was at Prestonwood's Connection service last night will recognize my example of sacrifice. It's really a foreign word in our--me first, want it now--society. Webster defines it this way: "destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else." For us Christians, we strive to give up what we want, so that we can put our husbands, roommate, or family first. We ought put aside some of our hobby time (reading, making music, watching TV) and use it to minister to our church, community, or a complete stranger. It involves risk, and even sometimes taking responsibility for the life or well-being of people with no connection or obligation to ourselves.

Ruth was redeemed by such a man: Boaz. Not only did he go out of his way to make sure she had food, but he also put his reputation and family name on the line to take responsibility for Ruth's land, heritage, and good name. A challenging example of sacrifice, indeed (Ruth 1-4).

Put all three of these characteristics together, and people used of God are a force to be reckoned with. The modern day Boazes not only demonstrate a life sold out for Christ, but also pose the biggest threat to Satan's kingdom, and spread the Lord's territory in everything they do. They are scary.

I read a quote yesterday that stopped me in my tracks:"Be the kind of women that when your feet hit the floor every morning, the Devil says, 'Oh Crap! She's up!' "

I leave you with this; how scary are you? Does Satan have a reason to be on your tail each day because you're dumping salt on his bland world, or can he sleep in because he knows your obedience is self-serving, discipline weak, and sacrifice tempermental?

Lord, help me to do the things you've created me for with fervent faith, dedicated obedience and the willingness to develop discipline in sacrifice. Your word says all things are possible with Christ, and I struggle on a moment by moment basis. May I seek You first and take it a step at a time. Make me an effective Christian who threatens the devil with every decision. Thank you for only giving me what I can handle, and for wanting me to succeed in the tests that come my way!

Phil. 2:13
Ephesians 2:10
Phil. 4:13