THOUGHTS ON THE LORD’S DAY
“A Christian Nation, or a Nation of Christians?”
A Christian nation is not formed primarily by legislation. A Christian nation by democracy was never Christ’s intent. The primary goal of evangelism is a nation of Christians, which can then shape the heart of that nation toward Christian values. For this to happen, Christians, not the institution known as the “Church,” must occupy places of influence.
Those places of influence of business, government, and education, control every nation. These places of influence require Christ’s ambassadors in order that the “gates of hell do not prevail.”
We need saints who are set apart and no longer part of this world system. But, stand against it and work for its reclamation. The Christian walk is a journey of unfolding events and steps toward becoming what God has already declared us to be.
How does a person become more Christian when he or she is already one? Live every day the life that Jesus lived. Practice the activities Jesus engaged in. He went about doing good. Ask the question He most often asked, “What can I do for you?”
There are not enough spiritual athletes. We have too many spectators and not enough players. It is easier to buy a ticket and watch from the stands than it is to suit up and engage the opposition on the field.
Our lives have become earthly in orientation and fleshly in operation. We conform to the patterns of the world’s system, when we could be shaped into the very image of Christ according to Romans 12:1-2.
We focus on religion instead of relationship and practice our faith instead of passionately pursuing the Author and Finisher of our faith. Such a life is not rooted in an authentic relationship with God. But, it is filled with rhetoric, posturing, form and mannerism.
We become people possessed with knowledge “about” as opposed to being an acquaintance “with” our Creator.
So, how do we live with, like, and for Christ? The foundation never shifts and the basics never waver. Read, study and meditate on God’s word. Learn obedience to His voice and His word. They never conflict. Practice prayer, silence and solitude, the disciplines of the faith. Hold yourself accountable to someone “over you.” Hebrews 13.
Disciplines are not just laws to be obeyed, but a way of life to be cultivated. Building a rulebook can be overwhelming and many times, devastating. However, a disciplined life is liberating and fulfilling. The rulebook says, “I have to.” But, a disciplined mind says, “I get to.” The teacher must teach and inspire his students to follow Christ before they can shape the culture around them to reflect Christ.
Developing Our Minds
“Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well (that) the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, John 17:3, and therefore, to lay Christ in the bottom, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning.”
Founding Mission Statement
Harvard University, 1643