He Will Lead

I read this post this morning. Father Longenecker reminds us what the early Christians went through to worship. They risked death. Today all we risk is time.

The beautiful part of God's promise in the New Testament is that worship is turned into a "way of life," the striving to be Christ-like (Ephesians 5). Jesus tells us to pray in secret (Matthew 6:6). The New Testament implores us to develop a personal relationship with God, implores us to follow Jesus.

Getting back to Father Longenecker's post, I have always been one who feels like "you are no good dead." Only so many can be martyrs. Organized worship is definitely important and an essential sign of true faith. But it is also essential to be a Christian outside of organized worship.

This brings me to my current dilemma. I am helping my wife recover from surgery. I am in a new town that I will eventually be a permanent resident. I have a place of worship that I want to go to, but I am not a permanent resident yet and can't make a full commitment. My wife has recovered enough to probably go to a single service, but by the end of the service, she will be ready to go. We won't have time to shake hands and talk.

My conclusion is that I have to continue to live a Christian life. I have to concentrate on being a Christian today. I have to concentrate on being a Christian for the next five minutes of my life.

Essential faith requires a trust that as long as we trust and follow Christ, He will lead.