Not by Accident

After presenting the challenge of being the one to make a difference in the lives of others (Be the Man), I suggested that the way to achieve that goal is to have a vibrant relationship with God and to communicate that relationship to others (How to Make a Difference). This is easier said than done. I can easily relate to those who desire a vibrant relationship but find it lacking. In fact, none of us enjoy that relationship to the extent we desire. This disappointing shortcoming begs another question: "How can I have a vibrant relationship with God?"

A few years ago, I presented a similar challenge to my students. I then shared with them a theme for the year, "It won't happen by accident." Successful Christianity doesn't somehow happen automatically once we've been saved for a certain number of years or when we reach a particular stage of life. While we tend to think that older, more mature Christians shine more brightly for God, there is no guarantee that age alone will bring such a testimony.

The work ultimately belongs to God as He does His work in our lives. It is essential, however, that we do our part as well. God can do His best work as a shaper of lives when He has pliable material with which to work. It is difficult to receive any resource if we do not go to an outlet where that resource is found. In the same way, it is hard to experience God's transforming work if we avoid the methods He has designed for achieving it. Instead of avoiding or casually accepting token amounts of God's influence, we must embrace and pursue elements that promote spiritual growth.

The right input will have limited effect without a prepared heart. With a heart tender toward God and fervently seeking to draw closer to Him, the right activities can have tremendous impact. When a yearning heart prays earnestly for God to do His work, God answers with refreshing results. We must start with a heart that is sensitive to God's leading and determined to respond quickly to Him.  

This is what makes a vibrant Christian. Our influence on others comes not necessarily based on the spiritual level we have achieved, but more so based on the tender sensitivity of our current condition. In that condition, the right spiritual input is like adding fuel to the fire. The fuel is found in doing anything that aids in learning more about God and what pleases Him. Studying the Bible and praying top the list. Church attendance is also very important. Additionally, Christians can grow by listening to sermons on their own, reading quality books, listening to good music, and spending time communing with other vibrant Christians.

As important as it is to pursue this positive input, it is just as important to avoid negative input.  Our world is filled with too many pursuits that pull the heart toward the world and away from spiritual things. These distracting elements include things like popular books, magazines, television programs, movies, and worldly music. Also dangerous are the overwhelming societal emphasis on entertainment and the dominating demand of constant involvement in sports and other activities. If the positive pursuits listed above are adding fuel to the spiritual fire, these negatives throw smothering wet leaves on that fire.

So do you want to influence others for good but think you don't have a vibrant Christianity to show them? That vibrant relationship can happen, but it won't be by accident. Growth in godliness costs something. It will involve both putting effort into what is worthwhile and denying what is detrimental. While this is a life-long pursuit, results emerge very quickly once the pursuit is engaged.

"May those who fear You see me and be glad, because I wait for Your word." Psalm 119:74 (NASB)