What is this Christian Life

This Christian Life 

What is this Christian life? Countless books have been penned on that very subject. Each focusing on various points. I dare not think that I could answer this question with any finality, I only offer up these words of praise and this pledge of faith. If there be any criticism I would gladly bear it for the words written here. This Christian life is the internal transformation, the awaking of our spirit, the marriage of temporal with eternal, humanity with divine. It is salvation by grace and a call to holiness, the only true freedom; found in bondage to Christ. It is a faith that leads us to look for a kingdom that we first find within. These are only a few ways of speaking about this great salvation. What is certain about this Christian life is that it is certainly hard to define. It is life springing from a well that never runs dry. This life of faith is an all encompassing call to give our all to Jesus; to entrust all of our strength, all of our heart and bring every thought subject to Christ and His Kingdom.    

I love this faith, the life of Christianity. I may get disturbed by the wolves in sheep’s clothing masquerading as saints. Or the nationalist who use and abuse His name to gain this earthly kingdom, making it difficult to be called a Christian. As the church of Laodicea plays its extended song service here in Babylon, the rich history of His true Kingdom and clear calling of His Holy Spirit leads us past these white washed tombs. Even past the brazen alter of false worship to join with all the saints and share with the master “outside the camp.” Seeing the true splendor of the faith like beautiful vine in the midst of wasteland. The Christian faith has broken through the cracks of history like a sublime rose in the desert, a bright star in the darkest of nights. From Jesus until now, the seed that fell to the ground has spouted love out of season to all who are broken, weary and weighed down. 

This Christian life so worthy of praise, is not the religion of conquering kings or vanquishing generals, even while they carry His moniker. This is the faith of nursemaids, monks and servants, peacemakers and prophets. This  is the life of those who pray “Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy.” This is the spiritual bloodline of the king who died outside this worlds camp, made up of those who still go outside the camp to bear the disgrace with Him. The disgrace of being different from this world, different by way of love not piousness, disgraced for loving peace more than victory. 

What is this Christian life? It is the life of those who clothe the naked, feed the hungry, offer compassion to prisoners and shelter to the oppressed. It is a life found among the unknown meek and the children of surfs unaccustomed to this worlds nobility. The Christian life is a call to completely give our lives to the Kingdom of God and His Christ. To work, pray and seek no other kingdom, no other country, for no other leader to be wholly devoted and to be espoused to one husband - one King; until all that is within us is crying out, Thy Kingdom Come! That beautiful, lovely city His kingdom of peace and righteousness. Let this promised proclamation consume our hearts, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” This is the joy of this Christian life to have such a great and consuming cause and Kingdom. 

I am thankful for having been chosen to be a part of it, and would willing lay down my life for my Kingdom and my King. Let it be understood, let all those with ears hear clearly this Christian life calling. Hear that when we gather as a church we are gathering for the Kingdom. Hear, that the Church is an extension of the Christian life assembled together to preach the gospel of our King. Assembled as a body to pray for the day when the kingdoms of this earth fall and become the Kingdom of the Lamb. When we give of our finances, we are giving to empower the Kingdom. When we come together it is to learn the ways of the Kingdom and turn from the kingdom of darkness. Having acknowledged that we were are strangers and exiles here on earth, we make it clear that we are seeking a homeland. Not thinking of that land from which we have come out of, together we are desiring a better country. Together we pray “thy Kingdom come and thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”   

As I write this article, thoughts of our prayer time at church are lingering in my spirit, accompanied by the abiding peace from the joy of His presence. I love that feeling, that place, those moments of this Kingdom life. I pray and earnestly contend that we move not away from this Good News of the Kingdom. That no other message or Kingdom have sway over your hearts. There is only one Good News, only one King. 

What is this Christian life? It is an eternal well of living water springing up with all glorious joy. It is beauty from ashes, strength from fear. It is mourning turned to gladness and peace rising from despair, it is all this and more! For this cause I bow my knees to the King of Kings and pledge all that I am to none other but He. It is Jesus who has given me life and life more abundantly! This Christian life, this is living!

Consider these scripture references for further contemplation take time to reflect on the following: Matthew 5:11, 6:10, 25:31-46, Romans 6:15-20, Revelation 11:15, Hebrews 11:13-16, 13:13-14, Isaiah 55:1-2, 61:1-3, 1 Corinthians 1:26, John 12:24, Galatians 1:8, 3:28.