"Are You Just Playing?"

Do you remember how as children we used to play like we were something that we were not? I do...and I did. We'd say, "Let's play cowboys," or "Let's play firemen," or "Let's play spacemen."

It was not unusual that we as children lived in a fantasy world from time to time. Our parents were not concerned by this strange activity because they knew that we were "just playing" like we were something that we were not.

But we are all grown up now and most have families of our own. It is high time for us to be concerned if we are continuing to play like we are something we are not. Far too many approach Christianity as if it were a "game" in which we can "play like" we are Christians. We become able to discount the serious nature of our Christianity because when any requirement of living the Christian life conflicts with our own desires, we quickly close our eyes, shut our ears, and simply ignore that requirement, all the while still thinking that we are good Christians. We need to remember that we can "deceive" ourselves. James wrote, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22).

It is evident that many are "playing like" they are Christians. When one is off and on in their church attendance, haphazard in their giving, neglectful in their service to God, spurious in their Bible study or lax in their prayer life one is "playing like" he or she is a Christian. Living the Christian life is a very serious thing. We have been given one life...one chance to get this right. Tomorrow is not promised to us (James 4:13-15). Let us be sure that we are not "playing like" we are Christians. True New Testament Christians are not deadheads, nor are they inactive, complacent, indifferent, or lukewarm. They are filled with enthusiasm for the Lord (Titus 2:11-14). The question is - are you? Don't "play like" you are a Christian - be a true one!

Let's remember Paul's admonition, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" (Colossians 3:23).

Let's set a goal of 450
for the Big Day in May, 2013!