Monday, October 21


          Have you noticed how easy it is to blame our spiritual problems on others?  When we feel disenfranchised with the local church, it is easy to blame them for not being caring.  When we feel distanced from other Christians, it is easy to criticize them for not reaching out to us.  When we stop attending worship, it is easy to feel disheartened when few people notice that we are gone.
          While there is value in having close relationships with other Christians and it is great to have support from like-minded believers, there is only one person to blame when things aren’t going well – and that us.  I believe we need to participate in interactive Christian fellowship, but at the end of the day, our spiritual journey is our own personal decision.  We have to be the ones to make the commitment to see it through.  It is nice when people are there to support us along the way, but the Lord demands us to be responsible for our own salvation.  When members of the 1st Century church faced legitimately difficult times, they were expected to stay committed to their decision.  In fact, in the midst of persecution they were told, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10). 
          Let’s be dedicated to doing what is necessary to remain faithful to the Lord.  Remember, it won’t be “the church” who will be judged for our success or failure before the Lord.
Think About It!

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