Not for the the comfortable.

American Christianity is often less about true Christianity, but maybe, as my pastor suggested, an extension of the old Roman Empire. We desire the good things of life. We go to college to get a good job, to get good money, to get good stuff. Not that there's anything wrong with having money or stuff, but many of the churched have all but shut out the voice of God, because they have allowed themselves to get comfortable. We are comfortable in our homes, in our jobs, and in our pews. 2 Timothy 2:4 says, "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." Although Corporate America may be the exact ministry field that God has called some of us to, I believe many of us have missed the boat. Is it our fault? Not totally. How many churches not only don't teach about a life of ministry, but don't help its people to be trained and equipped to follow God's calling in their life? Many of them are having a hard enough time teaching sound Biblical doctrine.

We live in a society where the smallest minority of people, are trying to push God out of public life. They will press into private life as far as they can. They have success, because so many Christians are too busy with their jobs, families, and other personal issues to worry about God's purpose for their lives. We've grown ambivilant to God in our country. Africa is sending missionaries here, to a country that is, supposedly, a Christian country. If we were doing our jobs, we wouldn't have the mess we have now. Acts 28:26-27 says, "Go unto this people and say, hearing ye shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see and not perceive: for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." Though many have hardened their hearts, there are those that are truly looking. The Great Commission states that we should preach the gospel to the ends of the Earth. In 1 Corinthians 9:14, Paul says: "Even so the Lord has has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.", and in verse 16: "...woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!"

We lack workers to spread the gospel message. But, it takes being equipped. Many people shove Christianity down people's throats, because they haven't been equipped to spread the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:27 says, "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." I have tried to institute a lifestyle of fasting, prayer, and mentorship- getting into the rhythm of the Holy Spirit, not that of the flesh, so that my words and deeds are consistent." God's word is important. It must be given and received. However to see God's kingdom come on this Earth, we need the power of the Holy Spirit in all we do. 1 Corinthians 4:20, "For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." We so often try to talk, instead of letting God do what He's going to do through us to show His glory.

What does this all mean? God desires that we become serious about our purpose; that we do some real soul serching, that we ask, wait, and listen for His response. We find somebody with a similar calling to learn from, and then we go and do. Faith is not only believing, but what we do once we hear God's voice. Be encouraged and strengthened by God's word, and by the promises He has for each of us.