December 11, 2004

A Pleasant Diversion

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. —Romans 12:2

Bible In One Year: Hosea 5-8; Revelation 2

A friend was looking for a church to join and told me she had found just what she was looking for: "I like this church because I don't have to change my lifestyle of partying. It doesn't make me feel guilty or require anything of me. I feel good about myself when I'm there."

Her story makes me wonder how many people are in that type of situation. Their "Christianity" is what author W. Waldo Beach calls "a pleasant weekend diversion."

But is that the kind of life Jesus calls us to? Beach says, "No amount of air-conditioning and pew-cushioning in the suburban church can cover over the hard truth that . . . discipleship is costly; that, for the faithful, there is always a cross to be carried. No one can understand Christianity to its depths who comes to it to enjoy it as a pleasant weekend diversion."

Being a Christian means that we know Jesus personally. We have received Him by faith as our Savior from sin, and we present ourselves to Him. We deny our will and choose His instead. He transforms our thinking, our values, and our priorities to reflect what is acceptable to God (Romans 12:1-2).

Is your religion just a pleasant weekend diversion? That's no substitute for a vital relationship with Jesus! —Anne Cetas

"Take up your cross," the Savior said,
"If you would My disciple be;
Take up your cross with willing heart
And humbly follow after Me." —Everest

Discipleship demands discipline.