God is Real: Faith for Real Change

Christians who are living less committed to Christ than they should often refer to themselves as, "Not living as I should." This little four word phrase usually means the person doesn't go to church regularly, spends little time with God in prayer or His Word and is involved in at least a few sins on a regular basis. I am mystified how so many Christians attempt to justify a lukewarm or cold relationship with Christ. I am often amazed at the lackadaisical attitude these folks have toward God and the salvation His Son purchased for them with His blood. Does God want more from His children? Did Christ die so we could live a half hearted, half committed, relationship with God? Did Jesus die so we wouldn't "sin as much" or did He die to give us victory over and freedom from sin?

I believe one of the great tragedies of the 21st century (and much of the 20th) is the failure of the church to demonstrate the reality of God. The result has been the failure of many, even those in church, to see God as a present reality. If a person fails to truly believe God is a real and persistent part of his life, he will fail to see the importance of a relationship with God. Once a person devalues any relationship in his or her life the priority and attention once paid to that relationship fades and disappears. Why pray, spend time in God's Word or do anything else to "relate" to God if you fail to see and believe the real existence of God in your life? Scripture tells us in Hebrews 11:6, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, for anyone who comes to Him must believe he exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him." Our relationship with God happens through the vehicle of our faith in God and the most integral part of that faith is actual belief in His existence!

I am reminded of an old sermon illustration in which a church prayed for God to close down and remove the saloon from their town. A few weeks after they began praying a thunderstorm came through and lighting struck the saloon, burning it to the ground. The proprietor of the saloon subsequently sued the church! In the courtroom, the owner of the saloon argued the church prayed for the destruction of his establishment and he wanted restitution. The church countered they had nothing to do with the destruction of the saloon. After listening to both sides the judge spoke, "It seems to me this saloon owner has faith and believes in the power of prayer whereas you church members do not!" Unfortunately, there are many in the church who suffer from the same lack of faith and belief in God as the church in this story. Too many Christians are in bondage to a life God never intended for them because they have failed to believe God exists and is at work in the world around them. God is real and He really does want to be a real part of your day to day life!

God really does exist and He is ready to make a difference in your life. Believe God exists, seek Him and ask Him to be real to you today.

James