Casual Christianity ~ Pondering "Grace"

We have not written for awhile because we have lacked words. I must say it is because we lack the courage to print them. This little area in the world wide web is concerned with the "casual" Christianity that is flooding the internet. They make it seem like the Messiah will be coming back in surf trunks and a beanie. Like people will greet the "King of Kings" with a "hey, dude!" and then move on with a Facebook entry.

Long gone is the "fear of the Lord" for He is just a "pal" now. The "awe" for the magnificent Creator of the Universe is dwindling into cyberspace.

Sadly, it is being justified by a distorted version of "grace".

Grace does not teach a lifestyle of "take me as I am Lord, keep me as I am and deal with me. I am a sinner and there is no use trying to live likewise".

No, this is what grace teaches...

"denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly,

righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope,

and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,

and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority.

Let no man despise thee."

~ Titus 2:12-15

The life of a Christian isn't a party but a purposeful path. A path where we are told to pick up our cross, deny self and follow Him that is holy. To honor Him (who died so we could live!) with our life of love, devotion and service.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

 ~ Romans 12:1-2

High-fiving one another while we sin and then picking up the banner of grace to justify our choices isn't living for Him. It is living for Self. It isn't *full* acceptance of grace or *freedom* in Christ. It is mocking it.

May we see the difference and have the courage to "examine ourselves". May we strive to be that "peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14)…

May we be the believer who realizes “all things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up" (1 Corinthians 10:23)…

Because you dear reader, are the Daughter of the Most-High King in this "chosen generation". You have been called to "be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." ~ 1 Timothy 4:12b 

"The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit.
Grace be with you."
~ 2 Timothy 4:22

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: Modest Mom Monday's, Teach Me Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, Homemaking Thursdays and Deep Roots at Home. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.