Spiritual Obesity
We have a weight problem in the Church. Not physically but spiritually. Have you ever noticed how preachers try so hard to come up with a fresh word; something no one has heard before or try to put a spin on a subject that we have heard a hundred times? Its because we are preaching to the same people over and over. Jesus said in Lu 19:10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” If you have heard that Jesus is the Messiah then you have heard enough to tell someone else. (Lu 9:26 “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.) Its time to go outside and get some exercise. (Mt 10:7 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.) As a Christian you should be a conduit for the power of God but if there is no flow then we become gluttons. If your cup runneth over (Ps 23:5) then you will never have to worry about how much you give or how much you do. (Lu 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure–pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”) Spiritual exercise is the only way you are going to grow. Don’t think that you are just going to wake up one day and be a super christian ready to take on the forces of darkness. It takes time and effort, trial and error, and above all faith to grow spiritually. At some point you will have to step out of the boat. Try starting with your neighbors. Do they think that Jesus lives next door or the devil?
Charles W. Aycock Jr.