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Christians Don’t vs. Christians Do

I used to believe that being a Christian was all about what I didn’t do.  Maybe that’s because I was such a screwup in my early years, and needed to lay hold of the discipline of Jesus in order to excise self-destructive thought & behavior patterns from my character.  I worked hard to lean into the Spirit, who “teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:12).  As I have now been walking with the Lord for 31 years, I’m reaching the stage where I’m understanding that God’s power to repress my carnal passions is only the side-effect of something much larger…much more important and vital…for me, those I love, and the watching world around me.

Indeed, Jesus had much to say against sin, from within and without our own souls.  However, He did & said a lot more about what we should be DOING and BEING in order to OVERCOME AND DESTROY the effect of evil in ourselves and in the world.

So many of the world’s people look at followers of Christ with disdain because we are often withdrawn and self-righteous…just like the Pharisees were during Jesus’ days in the body.  Of course, they’ll talk negatively and riducule anyway, but I’d rather it be because of selfless acts of sacrifice, love for my neighbor, and supernatural stuff they can’t explain but desperately need!  That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave.

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” (John 14:12-13)

By catalystshawn

Shawn is the founding Minister/Executive Director of Catalyst NW, launched in 2007. Before starting Catalyst, Shawn was a full-time Youth Pastor and Church Planter in traditional churches for 13-years. Shawn and his wife Marina live in Tualatin, OR, and are actively involved with Grace Chapel in Wilsonville. They have 2 adult kids who are their pride & joy, one funny little dog, and a cuddly cat.