PLAYING CHURCH

But whoever has the world's goods (adequate resources), and sees his brother in need, but has no compassion for him, how does the love of God live in him?

1 John 3:17 AMP

I don't know if you've had days when finances just were not there for the bare necessities, and maybe even putting food on the table was a challenge; I have been there a time or two and let me tell you it is not easy but what is reassuring is knowing there are children of God that have taken the word practically and living it in their daily lives. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Time and time again there have been brothers and sisters in Christ (not necessarily my friends) but the Holy Spirit led them to buy me lunch, pay my rent, purchase groceries and so many other things.

Going to church every Sunday or Sabbath is amazing it does help with our spiritual growth but what Jesus was concerned with was the faith of the saints. Who are we when we leave church on a Sunday and venture into our daily lives and how we interact with others?

For a long time, I was so concerned about my image and what others would think about me although I never kept too many friends. I kept considering how the world would view me. Today let's really talk about how we as Christians can sometimes play church and not really live our lives as followers of Christ. New-age Christianity lives for the followers and likes but has not considered being 'THE' follower.

How we live daily

There were many times I have donated to the Red Cross, helped at community centers, gave to the Salvation Army while overlooking my sister or brother that is in need. Stocking up my fridge and cupboards when there was a member in church hungry and displaced. Knowing there are families that were visiting and new but never extended a lending hand. Many times I thought it is too cold, I am too busy or I am sure someone will help them but why was it not me or you? Why are we comfortable being comfortable about our Instagram-ready lives and cute social media posts? I reflect on being in need and crying out to God thinking He would supply the need without me having to ask, receive or share my difficulties with others.

We sometimes put Christianity in this box called perfection and only do the things God requires when we feel like it, or make us feel good, but we may be confused about the God we are serving. I know I cannot have a testimony without a test or victory without a battle. James 1:3 says the testing of our faith produces preservation, endurance, strength and even patience. Could you imagine that we will be tested to remove the selfishness, hate, insecurities, the pain from the past, the lust and fleshy desires? All of this is to gain spiritual growth and a deeper connection to God.

I heard a pastor share a testimony of how his life turned around when a guy came in off the streets asking for work and help but he turned him away. He looked at him and said to himself he didn't want people like him around the church. My heart sank, but this Pastor's life drastically changed when he later found out the guy died, he commissioned his church to start a challenge called what would Jesus do? When making a decision ask yourself what would Jesus do. He was saddened by his actions, his thoughts and who he had become after realizing he turned away someone that died without coming to Christ. Our job as Christians is to go and share God's word, to be a light in the dark places, to be a reflection of God's love. The church has been filled with big hats, beautifully dressed members, fancy suits but many are no longer convicted, they are okay with living a life that looks perfect and is comfortable just playing church.

Playing church varies from person to person, church to church and city to city. I have been learning to ask myself why I am doing what I do? Just like being a business owner, there has to be a vision, purpose and desire to achieve regardless of likes, fame or even rewards. There are times that the work goes unnoticed and is even ridiculed but when it is for Christ the reward comes at a cost. This guy went to Jesus, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" This guy wanted to secure a spot in heaven. Jesus replied, "why do ask about what is good?" This guy wanted to pay his way into heaven like many of us believe we can do. Jesus then put him to the 'test', keep the commandments. Okay, we are good I don't kill, steal, commit adultery, lie and I honour my parents; sweet this is looking good. Then Jesus says to give all you have to the poor and you will have treasures in heaven and follow me (Matthew 19:16-22). This guy was sad because he was not willing to part with material possessions, he was not willing to give to the poor, he loved the social media status that was tied to what he had, what he owned. Do you see how we are caught up in the things of this world that will fade away that make your flesh feel good? Recording the gifts we give to others at their lowest point, exploiting the desperation of others while calling it acts of God. The first reality check for me was answering the Holy Spirit as I searched my heart for answers to these questions. Does what you edify the kingdom of God/help build the Christian community?

What we say versus what we do

Galatians 6:1-2 says to carry each other's burden and to look out for your sister or brother if they fall into sin but it also says not to do this if you are not guided by the Holy Spirit, if you are not gentle and if you feel self-righteous. How would you know if you are any of these things? You would have to check yourself periodically and if there are elders in faith, someone that has been on this journey with Christ ahead of you seek counsel (Proverbs 19:20). Playing church is knowing and reciting scriptures but not living it. Being a true Christian is a life of love, forgiveness and understanding toward others. Many of us need to run to God and repent of our actions teaching our little ones to play church. Living for Christ is not always popular but we would not have to live in the shadow wondering if we will be struck because of what we have done in sin. Did you know the Bible never meant 'brother' in the literal sense but it meant to love and help others that are in the body of Christ? Jesus said there is no one who leaves his biological family, gives up their home for His sake and will not receive one-hundredfold blessing here on earth Mark 10:29-30. The sacrifices we make here on this earth for Christ does have rewards here on earth but we must first be willing to deny ourselves and take up the cross and follow Jesus. Follow what the word of God says, to make major sacrifices (time, money/resources and talent).

Time and time again I have messed up and made mistakes and returned like the prodigal son returning home and asking for forgiveness even when I felt I was right. I must have been in my early twenties I wanted to go to a party and did not have a car at the time. I asked my mom if it would be okay for me to use her car, the answer was no. I was not content with that and decided that I would take the car without her knowing. I backed the car out when she went to sleep and went on my way to the party, in the early morning hours I was dropping a friend home before I proceeded to return home. There was a drunk driver that was speeding and driving on the wrong side of the road this vehicle was coming head-on it was the vehicle or the pole, there was no way for me to avoid this head-on collision. I came out of that accident with not a scratch, no headache or bruises by God's special grace. The officer on the scene called my mom and she told him with certainty it could not be me, that I was in my bedroom. I was too embarrassed to call her myself and too ashamed to go home. The flesh wants what the flesh wants at any cost. Would you believe I was offended at God, why did He allow that accident to happen? Why did He not protect me? When we follow our flesh many times it brings us to these incidents that we turn into a 'why God' theme. The question is why is it so easy for us to follow the crowd and the popular trends. I was playing church, going to church every Sunday morning praying, singing and reciting scriptures and by Sunday night I was on the town with no conviction.

In conclusion, what can sometimes be hard to understand is who is your neighbour Luke 10:25-37 is a story of a man in need, financially, emotionally and physically. There were others that passed by but did not have the grace or means to help and swiftly went on their way. What makes this story all the more valuable is to understand that these two people by culture were taught not to love each other because of their nationality, colour, size and religion but this stranger chose to help anyway. This guy who was in need did not need prayer or religious acts but he needed a ride to safety, a roof over his head, clothes, ointment and money. The stranger that helped him had the means and ability to help. The stranger did not give from an empty tank, no love, little money when he himself was hungry but he gave freely from a place of abundance. How do we know that? He was able to leave and pay room and board for this stranger. This 'Good Samaritan' did not play church he was living the word in his life. How are you living the word in your daily life? Your neighbour might be a stranger or it could be someone sitting next to you in church. Be a doer of the word and not just a hearer or pew warmer. Live your life in a way that edifies the body of Christ.

Leave a comment below and let us know how this word helped you today.

Tune in for our weekly podcast, blog and Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZY-AteefF-zUI3oLxMz9_w

#playingchurch #livingforchrist #livingouttheword #nolongerfollowingyourflesh #follwerofchrist