God made something out of nothing and it seems that marketing people like to do the same. They like to promote "New Packaging" while the same product is inside. Personally, if they kept the same packaging and improved the product, I would be impressed. No doubt someone got paid a lot to change make barely noticeable changes to a cardboard box.
A lot of Christians seem to think that God is easily impressed with outward changes. They think that outward change is enough to please God, the religious equivalent of new packaging. Many think that God is impressed with regular church attendance, an intent to follow the Law of Moses, Bible study, singing "praise" and giving constitute their Christian lives.
"But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” Samuel 16:7
This also applies to fellowships. Many pastors believe that numbers constitute success. That is not how God sees it. God is interested in quality, not quantity.
Jesus is the life of the believer. He leads us in the way that He sees fit. All He asks of us is that we follow His leading. Seek His will in everything. Maybe Lord Jesus wants you to attend a small fellowship rather than the megachurch down the road. Maybe He wants you to befriend the one doing life hard. Whatever it is, if it is God's will, He will enable you to do it.
Lord Jesus really is the Life of the believer. But it is not automatic. We must choose for Him to live in place of us. If we do, we will have joy and peace, knowing that the outcome is His responsibility, not ours.
A lot of Christians seem to think that God is easily impressed with outward changes. They think that outward change is enough to please God, the religious equivalent of new packaging. Many think that God is impressed with regular church attendance, an intent to follow the Law of Moses, Bible study, singing "praise" and giving constitute their Christian lives.
"But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” Samuel 16:7
This also applies to fellowships. Many pastors believe that numbers constitute success. That is not how God sees it. God is interested in quality, not quantity.
Jesus is the life of the believer. He leads us in the way that He sees fit. All He asks of us is that we follow His leading. Seek His will in everything. Maybe Lord Jesus wants you to attend a small fellowship rather than the megachurch down the road. Maybe He wants you to befriend the one doing life hard. Whatever it is, if it is God's will, He will enable you to do it.
Lord Jesus really is the Life of the believer. But it is not automatic. We must choose for Him to live in place of us. If we do, we will have joy and peace, knowing that the outcome is His responsibility, not ours.
