What is Important?

We live in a fallen world, we all know that.  In earlier posts I have said we do not live in a Christian nation, even though many want to believe it is.  The American ideal is the rugged individual, the independent self-sufficient person.  This is not the Christian ideal.  On Sunday, August 19th, Pastor Brett defined sin as living independently of God.  Isn't that the American ideal?  The person who does not have to depend on anyone or anything?  A person who can pull them self up by their bootstrap.  But is that what God wants from us?

God intended us to live in a relationship with Him and with others.  At CrossPoint we are trying to practice this  idea.  This means living in a relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  This is the Christian way.  Jesus said the way to the Father is through Me, not there are many ways to the Father.  Is depending on God, being in a relationship with Him the American ideal?  Is having relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ the American ideal?  Unfortunately, I believe it is not.

I am reading a book, surprise, by Craig Groeschel called Weird.  His main point is to be a Christian in this culture is weird, out of the ordinary, different.  For instance, we have enough resources to do what we feel is important, "Oh I would like to give more, but I can't afford it."   Or "I should be more be more active in my church, but I don't have time."  But I have enough money to buy a new tennis racquet or time to play a few sets of tennis.  Which is more important to me?  How many examples like this can we find?  I believe all to many.

What is important to you?  Is it God?  Family?  Job?  What others think of you?  We all have to answer these questions.  If God is important, show it, live it.  How?  By being in fellowship with other believers, spending time in prayer, yes, even inviting others into the fellowship, by witnessing.  It is giving to God first, not last.  If we do this we will be different, yes even weird.  Me?  I really would like to be this kind of weird, do you?