Keeping it Real

I had a severe check in my spirit about an old topic this morning as the words ran through my mind. "It's not how you serve Me in the church, but how you are serving Me in your life that matters." OUCH!

As I pondered this phrase I began to think about how much easier it is to behave like a kind and loving Christian when I am surrounded by others who by their very presence hold me accountable. In the Church there are certain perimeters that in case the role that we play. The accountability factor is much stronger because everyone there expects a certain measure of obedience to the Lord to be evident in our lives and naturally we fill that role because we want to be seen in a positive light.

I realized how easy it is for me to "Act like a Christian" while surrounded by other people who act like Christians. I know the right things to say; I know all the little Christian catch phrases and lingo that are so prevalent among my fellow believers; I can fill the role of a Christian woman rather nicely and portray myself as together, with understanding knowledge and maybe even a touch of wisdom, but the question I ask myself today is this...How important is all of that when it comes to spending time with non believers outside the church? What does God think of all of this?

As a new believer I used to think I was supposed to serve the Lord in some huge, important way and in my view it was going to take place within the comfort and safety of the church where I would find the encouragement, love and support necessary to serve to the best of my ability. I wanted to be the best Christian I could be and wanted others to believe I was a good Christian as well. Today my heart tells a different story as I have come to the realization that though my service for the Lord is of value in the church, it is more valuable to God outside of the church and if I am going to live my life as an authentic believer in Christ, I have to be serving him where he has placed me to serve on a daily basis.

The question "how are you serving Me in your daily life?" has me realizing once again the importance of living my life for Christ consistently. Even, or should I say especially when the accountability factor is not present. This means in my home; where I fall into the trap of seeking my own comfort or focus on pleasing my husband or my own wants instead of God's. What about in the work place where people are aware that I call myself a believer in Christ, yet I hide when my tolerance level is low? Do I show the love of Christ where it could make the most difference or more so when it comes easily?

Hmmm...things to ponder.