Lazy Faith

July/Holiness

19 July 2010

What is best in religion? Simplicity and sincerity. A lazy religiosity, which avoids much hardship, will have much trial in the fire, will have little reward in heaven.

- Colman mac Beognai, Aipgitir Chrabaid (Irish, 7th century)

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

- Ephesians 2.10

I like that thought of "lazy religiosity." True religion - real Christian faith - is not supposed to be easy. It's like fighting a war, running a marathon, being poured out on behalf of others, bearing a cross, and so forth. All the images of the New Testament which describe the life of faith intend us to believe that this is no easy road.

Fast forward to the present, and the easy road seems to be precisely what most Christians want to walk. Their faith costs them very little (not even the tithe!). The best time of their lives they invest in getting, spending, and mindless diversions, while they give but a portion of their remaining time to the Lord. We're lazy in the work of the Kingdom and frenzied about our material existence and comfort.

A simpler and more sincere approach to the life of faith might find us working harder at spiritual disciplines, being more involved in good works toward the people in our Personal Mission Field, and more consistent in bearing witness for Christ. We would be more diligent and thorough students of God's Word and more fervent and constant in prayer. Worship would be a way of life and not simply a Sunday morning diversion.

The Lord Jesus walked the hard road to give us real life, but He in no way encouraged us to believe that real life was an easy trip. It's a hard slog, but filled with joy and glory for all who undertake it by faith.

It's not too late to begin shrugging off and laying aside the garments of a lazy religiosity, so that we might be clothed anew each day with the wardrobe of discipline, service, witness, sharing, and joy which are the proper garments of all who name the Name of Jesus.

Friends, thanks again for those of you who are helping to support our ministry with your gifts. You can do so by contributing at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 100 Lamplighter Ct., Hamilton, VA 20158.

July Exercise Part 2: OK, you've been reading and doing some self-evaluation based on the brochure, Called to Be Witnesses. Now, for July 12-18, sit down with some Christian friends and share the results of your first week of this exercise. Make a copy of the brochure for each of your friends and challenge them to begin this exercise as well.

Today in ReVision: Held in Trust? - Who's watching over the precious heritage of Christian culture?

Also at the website, we have begun our next Kingdom Civics series on the "Founding Documents" of the Kingdom, and Every Thought Captive features the next installment of Satan, Bound (soon to be a Waxed Tablet book!).

This Month's Download: Called to Be Witnesses - Give a copy to your friends and begin talking together about how you can become more serious about piety.

We hope you'll visit our book store and check out the resources available to help you live the Christian life. And let us hear from you.

T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.