I have been thinking about how easily I may find myself drawn away and deceived if I don't stay fixed and committed to reading and immediately applying the Word of God to my life. I find sin in my life. Not just sin of things done, but things not done. For example, I find myself sometimes so slow and unenthusiastic about starting my bible reading, yet more eager to read my newest Christian book. Or, I have found myself slow and uninspired about having my own personal bible study, yet eager when it comes to group bible study. As I pondered how unfaithful to God I have been in these areas and others, it occurred to me that this is how I/one may easily slip into the great destructive error of having a 'form of godliness but denying the power thereof.' If we're not careful we can slip into a nice, good 'Christian' life without a growing, intimate relationship with God. And Christianity just doesn't make any sense without Christ.
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
2 Timothy 3:1-5, ESV
I think this a great verse to remember. I just listened to a sermon the other day about growing with God. I could share it with you if you want. Let me know. :)
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts, DD! Unfortunately, we all go through that period of letting our ways and our interests interrupt our time with God. He always seems to have a way to bring us back though.
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteJulia: I would love to have the sermon link/file!
Marianne: Thanks for your encouragement :) I'm afraid it's common, but should not be. I slip so easily into it.