In a service at Seacost, that seems to have taken place eons ago, Greg Surratt, the head pastor mentioned to the congregation that he does not want to be a fan of Christ but a follower of Christ. He didn't belabor the point, but that statement has remained with me and began to create an abcess in my soul... thank you Holy Spirit. I am so thankful for my relationship with Christ, but the manner in which I portray/exhibit the relationship to others bothers me. I am afraid many times I could simply be called a fan of Jesus. I love his teaching, I like his style, I openly claim to have a relationship with Him. Yet, I often lack the conviction, the urgency, the intensity and the absolute morality Jesus demanded of his followers.
One strategy that has been helpful in allowing me to take on a "follower" approach, while shedding the "fan" face has been taking captive my thoughts. It is amazing how our thoughts affect our daily lives and habits. I'll refer you to Phillipians 4:8. I recite the Message here mainly because its enhances my personal understanding of what Jesus needs me to focus on to be a productive follower.
"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies." It is a moment by moment battle but I know the reward of being a Christ follower makes being a Christ fan seem like a major waste of time.
And in the spirit of the season... Luke 2:14 is my "thought" goal.. "Glory to God in the Highest"
By: Catie Cornett
3 comments:
You really hit the nail on the head with this one Catie! I am definitely more proud of my quiet time relationship with Jesus than I am with my relationship with him out in the world. There is no point in sugar coating it...I worry about how I will be viewed by others. What am I doing to my testimony and how disappointed the Lord must be in me when he sees me "hiding" my faith from others. He would never deny me as his child and I owe it to him to have the same confidence and strength. Crippling my relationship with him is far worse than potentially turning someone off because of my relationship with Jesus. I have to change the way I think about Jesus. As Catie mentioned, our thoughts have a direct impact on our actions and she gave us a great verse in Phillipians 4:8 that clearly states the things we should fill our minds with. Again, great post Catie and please keep me in your prayers!
I love what I see and read here! I truly believe it comes from the heart. With myself, if I am not very careful I see my self be much more in tune depending on who I am with when in truth it should never be different!Our walk as well as our talk should never be different and leave no space for doubt when we are around people other than our little circle of friends. Catie, Jon, Keep the Faith!
One of my favorite verses is II Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) "Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself above the knowledge of Christ....bringing into captivity EVERY thought to the obedience of Christ." Can you imagine our every thought being obedient to Christ??? How cool would that be....We must strive to be more than a fan of Christ.....that personal one on one relationship is SO important!!!
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