As believers in Christ, when we find ourselves in trouble, it is natural for us to fall on our knees at the feet of Christ and pray through our struggles. We do this because we have realized that at the end of it all, God is our Provider, our Healer, our Way Maker, and that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When times are rough, out of desperation, we go to the source of light and life. Believers in Christ are notoriously known for this peculiar behavior, and the peace that passes understanding that comes from within is very attractive to the unbeliever.
So often times, it is our behavior in the struggle that attracts the unbeliever. But what does our walk look like when we are not in a struggle? What does our worship look like? We have learned to hunker down, get focused on Christ, and pray in faith when times get tough, but when things are well, our worship becomes less intense, and sometimes we stop worshipping all together.
The Israelites habitually had this same issue. Over and over again when the Israelites would experience victory, they would praise God for the victory, but once they were comfortable, they would begin to indulge in their own selfish desires, resurrect idols, and turn their backs on the Living God. They would then have to deal with the consequences that came with disobedience and turning their backs on God. Out of desperation, they would fall to their knees and worship God again.
It was never God’s desire for the Israelites to be stuck in this cyclical behavior. He called them to be set apart, a Holy people, a people for Himself. Deut 7:6 He commanded them to “have no other gods before me”, and to “not make idols.”
As with the Israelites, it is also not God’s desire for us to be stuck in this same cyclical behavior. “Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes” ~ Eph 1:4 “Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.” ~ Eph 4:24 His commandment to us was, “…you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength…Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” ~ Mark 12:30-31
The enemy is on the prowl seeking whom he can destroy. We cannot afford to let our defenses down when things get good. We must put on the whole Armor of God and walk in it at all times. “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then, after the battle, you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” ~ Eph 6:10-18
Yes, let our peculiar behavior when we are struggling attract the unbeliever, but let us also continue on in our peculiar behavior when things are going well! Worship is not just something we do when we are in trouble, but it is how we live our life everyday! Are you worshiping Jesus when times are good?
~ Dionya Kelley
Christ Fellowship