We Are Called To Be Players, Not Spectators

My Utmost For His Highest

 

…your life is hidden with Christ in God. —Colossians 3:3

 

“The Spirit of God testifies to and confirms the simple, but almighty, security of the life that “is hidden with Christ in God.” Paul continually brought this out in his New Testament letters. We talk as if living a sanctified life were the most uncertain and insecure thing we could do. Yet it is the most secure thing possible, because it has Almighty God in and behind it. The most dangerous and unsure thing is to try to live without God. For one who is born again, it is easier to live in a right-standing relationship with God than it is to go wrong, provided we heed God’s warnings and “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7).[…] If you see Him [Jesus] when He says, “Let not your heart be troubled…” (John 14:27), I defy you to worry. It is virtually impossible to doubt when He is there. Every time you are in personal contact with Jesus, His words are real to you. “My peace I give to you…” (John 14:27)— a peace which brings an unconstrained confidence and covers you completely, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. “…your life is hidden with Christ in God,” and the peace of Jesus Christ that cannot be disturbed has been imparted to you.”  CHAMBERS

 

So, my encouragement to you is this.  Don’t be satisfied with being a spectator Christian.  A spectator Christian knows the Truth, but doesn’t apply the Truth.  They are content with watching God at work in other people, being told about the new life in Christ.  I know many people in Alabama who are football fans.  They know the talk, they know about the players, the coaches … and the opponents.  But they are content to sit in the stands or on their sofas.  What God wants us to do is to suit up and go on the field.  To experience the reality of walking in the light.  The joy of trusting Jesus and living in obedience to His Word.  It’s a lot safer to watch, but God did not intend for us to watch, but to play.  I have quoted this before but it bears repeating.  In the book, The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis, Lucy is talking to Mr. Beaver about Aslan, a type of Jesus.  She asks, “Is He safe?”  Mr. Beaver’s replies, “Oh no, He is not safe, but He is good.”  We serve the creator God.  He is powerful and righteous.  We have been saved by the sacrifice of His Son.  To live in the manner that He intends, to play in the game of life if you will, requires Faith and Action.  Not merely believing, but acting on that belief.  Dr. Henry Blackaby said “You only believe that part of the Bible that you obey.”  Here is wishing that you have a wonderful Christmas holiday.  Don’t lose sight of why we celebrate.  ELGIN

 

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)

 

Charley Elgin