The Elders at our church have been reading through a book called "Multipy" by Francis Chan (click HERE to buy the book).  The book is a primer for both understanding the importance of growing disciples as well as how to go about taking steps to grow a disciple.  Currently we are reading a chapter called "Why Study the Bible" and it has an interesting quote that I thought I would list here:

"If we really believe that the Bible is the Word of God, then it should be much more than a book  that we are familiar with.  It out to shape every aspect of our existence.  It should guide the decisions we make in life" (92).


I think that most people fall into the former category - the Bible is nice and all, but does it really impact lives at a visceral level.  True transformation only occurs when we allow the Scriptures to speak to our lives in every situation.  Example: The Great Commandment calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves.  When we read the Scripture and don't do anything about it, there is no transformation there - the Bible calls us to ACTIVELY find ways to love our  neighbor: bringing coffee over, helping to shovel the driveway.  Acting on the commandments of Christ is the greatest sign that we are being transformed and not just existing.


Are you in existence mode or are you being transformed?

Lately I have been thinking a lot about difficulties; not the small difficulties, like the interminable time spend at the DMV, but difficulties that shake you to the core: health problems, financial problems, etc.  I have noticed that we spend a lot of our time reacting to difficulties, perhaps most of our time.  The ubiquitous nature of difficulties or trials begs us to ask the question - "what is the meaning of all of this?" or "what is going to come of all this?"

What makes you do something?  What forces a reaction out of you?  

Let me ask you a more pointed question - what makes you passionate?

In our lives as Christians (I'm generally speaking to one who has Christ as their Lord and Savior) we are motivated and passionate about something, but I'm wondering how many of us are passionate and motivated by what Christ has done in our lives! The below incident of Jesus' healing addresses the question:



Luke 17:11-19    11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”


When Christ heals you, shows up big in your life, and/or answers a prayer do you figuratively thank Him and allow that healing to stoke your passion for what He is doing in the world.  Alternatively, is thanking Christ and being passionate about what He has done in your life the last thing you think about; you are one of the nine who turned away and never said "thank you."

My challenge to you is to let what God has done in your life turn into passion for Christ and for His church.  What Christ has done in your life should put the focus back on Him and give Him glory! 

Be passionate about what He has done and let it motivate your to change a life!