Something that has been on my heart recently is acting Christlike. I know, I've written posts about this already, but I just need to say more, and how it's affecting me on a more personal level.
I truly believe that the best way to know and love Jesus Christ is by living and loving like He did. I know we can't be perfect, but as my orchestra teacher always said, "Excellence is as close as it gets." So why can't we excell at being Christians?
We forget. We don't want to change. We don't want to be different. I'm a good enough Christian already.
Excuses. Excuses.
The other day someone was upset by everyone's Unchristian behavior at our 'Christian' college. He sent an e-mail to the entire campus, telling us we were acting Unchristian. It caused a lot of talk around campus, and a lot of people believe it was an overreaction, but I can't help but think, is it?
I'll let you think that one over yourself. I want to go on with this acting Christlike thing.
If you read my last lecture, you'll know that I talked to a man named Roger, who is my prayer warrior and sort of spiritual counselor. When I talked to Roger last fall, I asked him how I could grow closer to God. His answer was telling me to read His Word, and obey it. Do you know how many verses are in the Bible about obeying the Word? There's a lot. The book of James is a good one to read.
Let's take a look at James 1:22-25:
Do not merely listen to the word,
and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says.
Anyone who listens to the word
but does not do what it says is
like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and,
after looking at himself, goes away and immediately
forgets what he looks like.
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law
that gives freedom, and continues to do this,
not forgetting what he has heard,
but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does.
I think a lot of the time when people read their Bible, or go to church or some other worship event, they walk away feeling uplifted and inspired. It's a good thing, but how long do we usually feel that spiritual high? A week? A few days? A few hours?
What gives us that spiritual high is usually the message we receive. The words we hear inspire and encourage us, and give us instructions on how to live better for God. We know what to do, and how we're supposed to be, and that confidence gives us the high we're looking for. But why does it die so quickly?
We forget. We get distracted. We don't want to make those changes we need to.
Do I sound like I'm repeating myself?
The point I'm trying to make is that for the most part, Christians know what we're supposed to do. Like Princess Mia says in Princess Diaries, "The concept is grasped, the execution is a little elusive!"
We know what we have to do, the trouble comes in actually applying what the Bible says to our lifestyles. It is hard, and I struggle with it myself. But the best way to go about it is to gather all our courage and do what we're supposed to. We may have to ask a friend to be an accountability partner, it's always easier if you have someone going through the same thing with you.
Pray. Study your Bible. Talk with an accountability partner. Pray some more. Journal. Whatever it is that will help you focus and grow as a Christian.
It will feel be a struggle, but it will make you stronger and grow closer to God and those around you.
