Camp meeting is in progress here on campus at college. Due to the busyness of personal schedules in addition to the camp schedule, it's always easy for me to feel somewhat frazzled and be anything but "quiet" before God during this time. Tonight was different. Pastor P.D.Wolfe was the speaker this Sunday night. The message he preached was built around the text Philippians 3:4-11. He explained the importance of an internal cooperation with the Holy Spirit for a true and meaningful relationship with Christ. It can be easy for churchgoers to go through all the religious motions without giving much thought to the personal aspect of the Christian life. I know I've preached this truth to myself many times before, but, tonight the realization of its veracity hit me hard again. As Pastor Wolfe stated, "Faith cannot be based on religious ritual." Paul claimed, in Philippians chapter 3, to be flawless in obeying the religious law. But no matter the outward appearance, it is still possible to have inner turmoil (Romans chapter 7). Pastor Wolfe went on to say, "One discovers a relationship with God through one thing: faith. Obedience [to the law of God] is a result of a life of faith." We should be working from the inside to the outside, not from the outside to the inside.
In a recent discussion with a friend about the subject of faith, I was reminded of a statement I once heard. It went something like this: Every sin committed is due to a lack of faith. That is to say, when we commit a sin, we are telling God that we know what is best for ourselves rather than having the faith to believe that what He says is best. Now, I'm no theologian, so I can't claim this statement is 100% true. But it sure sounds pretty good to me and my small mind.
When you choose to have a continual relationship with Christ you will have to make sacrifices and you will face rejection. If you are not faced with these two things, you better check your spiritual pulse. There is a daily yielding to the Holy Spirit that has to take place. The Christian life is not a drudgery, however. Lest I appear to have the philosophy, "All work and no play," allow me to draw your attention to Philippians 3:8. "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (NLT)."
Folks, we are blessed beyond measure. We have direct access to the Creator and Savior. Not only can we have a vibrant, intimate relationship with Him, but we have the hope and privilege of spending eternity with Him. Did you get that? ETERNITY, people. Wow!
Ok, I know I've darted around from thought to thought with this entry. My thoughts have been stockpiled and just gushed out here in an abbreviated form.--Oh my. I just realized I gushed on my second entry.--There is so much more I have on my mind and could spend a lot more time with this virtual monologue, but I realize there are better things in life than reading my blog all day long. So I will wrap things up.
Just think things over. Are you just "measuring up" on the outside, or are you truly experiencing God? Are you willing to do WHATEVER it takes to really know Christ and love Him? Whatever it may be, knowing Christ is more than worth the sacrifice.
I've said a lot here. By God's grace and with His help I pray I will live up to every word. I really want to.
