May 8 ~ Romans 2:28-29
For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In the early 1980s, my husband’s father was mayor of our community. My maternal grandfather was mayor in the early 1950s. With two surname changes and over 50 years over and done, few people associate me with my grandfather’s term in office. But people still comment to my husband, “Oh, you’re the mayor’s son!” The thing is…people say this as if this somehow gives him special privilege. We didn’t even live in this community during my father-in-law’s term as mayor… and even if we had, we would have been no different than any other local citizens. Just because my father-in-law and grandfather were mayors doesn’t imply that we should have enjoyed any special advantages.
By the same token, this didn’t mean we were more loyal to our community… or that our community was more special to us. Each person who lives here should love and respect their city and its neighborhoods - and live in a manner that shows honor and value for this area and its residents. I have heard more than one newcomer to our town say, “We’ve grown to love it here.” And if you look closely, you will notice that these people embraced the community and its residents… got involved in activities and organizations… and truly got to know the history and heart of the surrounding area.
There are people who live in a community and never truly “get it.” They gripe and complain about “what’s wrong with this town”… all the while claiming residency. And indeed, they are legal residents. They live here and benefit from city services and more… but they don’t embrace the spirit of the community. They have no heart for the town and its citizenry.
Do you see what I am saying? Christians are all part of a “community” of believers. If we are saved by the blood of Jesus, we belong to God. But this does not mean we are engaged with Him… or truly serving as a Disciple of Christ. What I desperately want you to understand is that giving your heart to Jesus is important… and doing so ensures that you are His child and will live with Him for all eternity. But this is not enough! It’s like moving into a town and drawing all the blinds, locking your doors and never going outside. You’re a resident of the community… but you are not an active and involved citizen. Your heart has not changed.
I realize there can be mitigating circumstances whereby someone moves into a community and does not become involved. Perhaps there are physical or economical limitations. But you can still love and support your town. You can still lift it up when talking to others. You can be informed about local happenings, read area newspapers and church newsletters and other regional publications and stay up on current events. You can talk to others by telephone or social media and chat with visitors and stay connected.
These things are all true for Christians in their “faith walk” as well. We may have legitimate limitations with regard to serving. We may not be able to deliver Meals on Wheels or visit the sick – or even attend church services on a regular basis. We might not have the monetary resources to contribute to fundraisers and missions. But there is so much we can do to stay active and involved with God… to “bloom where we are planted.”
Claiming the name of Jesus and hiding behind our salvation is not acceptable. We have to do more. In a nutshell… you’re either all in, or you’re not “in” at all. And if you read this passage in some translations, Paul actually tells us that it’s worse to claim to be Disciples of Christ when we’re not than to do nothing at all. So where does this leave you? Are you “playing Christian?” Or are you “all in”…fully engaged… serving and supporting God to the best of your abilities and with all your heart.
When it comes to Christian faith, it does matter Who you know… but not in the way you might think. Stop making excuses and “dropping names” and start truly serving. Forget what others might think or say and concentrate on pleasing God. And get ready to be changed from the inside out. Get your heart truly right with God, and see how amazing life can be when you are fully involved in His community.
©2013 Debbie Robus
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