Faith Without Works, well that just ain't happenin'

In case you didn't know, the title is from a Rich Mullins song.
Secondly, this is indirectly about faith, not an entire post about faith.

So I'm currently reading a book, it's popular, though I don't really care for you to know what it is, because it really isn't necessary to know what I'm reading at the moment.

Here is the deal though, and I wrote about this two years ago, but in a different setting, so continue reading after the next paragraph, cause I promise you, this is different.

There are a lot of good books out there, however if we as Christians aren't actively seeking the Scriptures and putting them into practice, what makes us think that reading a book is going to change that?

Maybe reading a book is what will change your mind, give you that jolt to change. However, more than likely you are going to get a spiritual high, much like the church camp high and then four months later be looking for the next new book to put you back in line. That's why every four to six months some new book that is going to revolutionize your Christian walk comes out. But they are needed, because for some reason the current believers think that this is one of the few ways they will suddenly draw closer to Christ, that or through worship, or a dynamic speaker to name a few.

So what am I saying here really? Following Christ, this faith that we supposedly have, first off is a choice. We aren't going to experience one of those three things I have listed above and become a true follower of Christ. No something has to take place between those two things happening and that is known as a choice. We have to choose to change, and then stick to that commitment. But for some reason as Christians we don't want to. We may try for a little while, and maybe even reach a deeper walk with Christ, but then it's like we mark the notch in our belt and go back to our old lifestyle.

Here's the deal, we are called to a life of change. Not a moment of change. So in essence faith without works, it just isn't happening: meaning, it's not a one time deal, it's not going to the salvation army and making food boxes, it's not helping with disaster relief, it's not donating to a homeless shelter.

What it is, is taking what we read in the Bible (because it has to start there, you can't start with something you read from a book, after all, how do you know if what you read in that book is Bible based) and making it a part of your lifestyle. And technically it shouldn't even be referenced as your lifestyle it should be referenced as Christ's lifestyle that you are trying to live (as Christians that is).

So here's the deal, please don't rant to me about how amazing the book you are reading is and how it revolutionizes what you think, until A. You are living out what the Bible teaches and B. You actually show me how that book you have read has truly revolutionized your life.

Am I saying that I'm to that point? Where I'm living out the Bible, no not at all. But I can tell you that until you are living daily (that's the hard part for me) what the Bible teaches, everything that you read in outside books, will be worth a fraction of what its worth when you are truly living Christ's lifestyle.

ReThink: Judging

So this evening I went shopping with the entire family (Mom, Dad, Abby, Laura, and our two foster kids). This is the second time I have done this. What I have noticed in the times that we have gone, is the amount of looks we get. Now I'm sure people with five children get alot of looks on their own, but seeing as Laura and I are close enough in age that during a majority of times that we hang out together people assume that we are dating one another. With us taking care of the two younger foster children as well you can tell as people stare that they are judging.

Admittedly there were alot of young couples with their children in Walmart this evening, but still this has no bearing on whether or not you should be judging someone. Someday I will be happily married Lord willing, and I probably won't be as moved by people staring at me and my wife/children (cause they'll be beautiful), but at the moment it is somewhat upsetting.

As Christians we should be looking on with concern, and not judgment. Afterall we know we are not the ones who judge. That part is Biblical. We should be engaging these people in conversation, seeing what their needs are, ministering to them. Instead the majority just stare and mull over in their minds about what mistakes, or what kind of lifestyle the person lives.

I know that after spending time with these children, I am able to empathize with the young ladies I know who are single parents, because I too have been judged by people, simply for walking around with a baby in my arms, not one thinking, that "hey on that 19 kids and counting show, they have a twenty year old and a newborn, the sweet little baby he's holding might actually be his sibling."

Once again, let me reiterate, we are called to care for these people, we are not called to judge. The Bible clearly states that we are to never judge as well as that we are to care for the widowed and orphaned.

This post comes before my "Church Camp" post that I hyped in my statuses. I apologize, hopefully I will have time tomorrow to finish up the Church Camp blog and get it posted. I will them begin to work on one about vacation. (I feel awfully behind at the moment).