Passive Christianity

In truth, there is no such thing as passive Christianity. As Christians, however, we can become complacent, disinterested, distant, even downright bored at times with our faith. But this is merely a reflection of ourselves and not Christianity itself. You see, even when we become passive in our relationship with God, God is still proactive; and it is when we become proactive in harmony with God’s interventions that things really start to happen and that long-lost fire becomes rekindled.

Paul said it very succinctly speaking to the Colossians in chapter one, “To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.”

“Labor”, “Struggle”, “Energy”, “Power”. These words can be pretty intimidating words for someone who chooses to be a passive Christian; but the reality and truth of this passage is impossible to deny. Doing God’s work can be exactly that...work. But, oh, what a good work it is.

Paul goes on to say, “My purpose is that they (those for which he is struggling for) may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

You see, the struggle...the work...it’s all about other people, not us. We go through hardship so others can benefit. We face adversity so we may deal with it as Christ did...by setting the example for others. The work we do for God is not like the work we do at our jobs which is mainly for personal gain, it is for a selfless gain that others may take notice and see the kingdom of God through our works.

But let’s face it...many times it’s tough to be doing God’s will. It’s laborious; it’s a struggle. It’s genuinely hard to be a channel for God’s awesome energy and to be used in a powerful and prolific way. It takes strength, encouragement, validation, faith, prayer and Christian support for all this to happen.

The most encouraging and beautiful aspect of Christianity is that God is with you, always and forever. Whether you want Him there or not, He’s there. This is an insight that reveals itself to me over and over again in my life. Simply stated...If you turn your back on Him, He will most certainly walk faithfully behind you step by step. If you stop in your tracks, He will be there with His hand outstretched for you to take. If you follow the wrong path, God will constantly and consistently present the proper road signs for you to change direction. God is with you, always and forever.

Sometimes this reality is hard on us when we so desperately want to do things on our own. But part of the work we have as Christians is to fight off that original sin of pride and to accept our human limitations for what they are. We need a higher power...and there is no higher power than Jesus Christ.

Blessings!

Greg Morton

© April 1, 2013

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