A CHRISTIAN’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Rick Warren in his book,”The Purpose Driven Life” gave five basic principles to follow as Christians.  Following is my interpretation:

1. To worship god and develop a relationship with Him.
2. To love and fellowship with other believers in our community.
3. To know Christ and become like Him.
4. To serve God through the church.
5. To become a minister for Christ and share the Gospel.

Our carnal nature is to be selfish and self-centered.  We are told by God that He will meet our every need if we have a right relationship with Him.  That means we are to focus upon Christ and develop the mind of Christ.  If we are obedient and living according to God’s will we can become spiritual to a point. We can trust God to answer our prayers and meet our needs.  It is possible that in many cases God may not answer a prayer that we can obtain for ourselves.  Don’t expect something from God if you can get it yourself and are just too lazy to work for it. God does not operate like the government! He is not after your vote just you, your love and a growing relationship.

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Over the years I have learned so much from the experiences and faith of others.  It makes a difference who our friends are.  Others tend to influence what we think and who we become.  Be spiritual and positive and fellowship with others who have the same values and believe spiritually as you do.

II Corinthians 4:4 – indicates Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

We were created in the image of God and He wants us to become like Him.  Christ came to show us what God expected.  If we are not developing the mind of Christ we are not growing spiritually.

There is something about serving in the church that fulfills a person spiritually.  I have always felt it was like playing in the game not just sitting on the bench.  The excitement comes from being a participant.  To become like Christ I believe it means to take an active part in His church.  We need to be more than a fan.  We must become a player.  However, there are limitations on some that will not permit them to be too active.  However, they can become vital by being an encourager and showing up to support those who are volunteering and participating.

This weekend’s sermon, by Mike Foster, was entitled, “Rescued to be a Rescuer”.   Made me think: We have been saved for a purpose and how important is it, as a Christian, to share the Gospel? That does not mean we must be a preacher or an evangelist.  Spreading the gospel means talking to our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.  Better yet, it means living the example set by Christ.  Being overly religious can turn many people off.  I have found that the Holy Spirit always opened the door when I was to witness.  Don’t become preachy, just tell them the difference after having accepted Christ as your Savior and what it meant in your life.  When you accepted Christ you accepted responsibilities.  Mark 13:10 – “And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.”  Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”