Before you read the following, I just want you to know that these are things I am guilty of, too. Like I tell my church all the time: “I’m preaching to myself!” When it comes to following Christ, we are all a work in progress.
For those who know me, you are familiar with my personality, so you will be able to decipher my tone and picture me smiling as you read this. For those of you who don’t know me, try to picture me smiling as you read on. So, go ahead and laugh, love, and perhaps even whisper, “Ouch.”
And just so there’s no confusion, the word Christian is defined as someone who professes Christ and embraces His teachings. Not only are the four gospels about Him, the entire Bible is Him because He is the Living Word.
Here is a list of the 22 things I believe Christ followers should cease and desist in their lives:
1. Quit expecting the world to like you. Jesus said it would hate you (John 15:18-27, Matthew 10:22).
2. Quit throwing your own teammates under the bus. We’re called to build each other up, not tear each other down. In fact, Jesus said that our love for each other proves to the world that we are really His true disciples (John 13:35, 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
3. Quit gossiping. This includes sharing “juicy prayer requests” with no intention of actually praying (Psalms 34:13, Psalms 101:5, Ephesians 4:29).
4. Quit replacing prayer with “good vibes” and “positive thoughts.” No. Just no. Prayer moves the hand of God and the hand of God moves the world. Prayer is much more effective than making someone feel warm and fuzzy inside. By the way, I’m not saying positive thoughts and good vibes are wrong (and they do make you feel good), I’m just saying prayer trumps them both (2 Corinthians 1:11, Philippians 1:19, Ephesians 6:18, James 5:16).
5. Quit saying repentance isn’t necessary. It is. Jesus said so. And just so you know, there are 53 references to repentance in the New Testament. Now go repent (Matthew 5:17, Acts 3:19, Romans 2:5, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 1:9).
6. Quit saying that the “portions of the Bible that make you feel uncomfortable” are irrelevant and nothing more than dated writings. All 66 books, 1,189 chapters, and 31,102 verse are the inspired Word of God. So the next time you think about throwing out the Old Testament, just remember that Jesus quoted it numerous times in all four gospels (John 1:1-4, John 1:14, 2 Timothy 3:16).
7. Quit expecting unbelievers/non-Christians to understand the Bible and/or to live like Christ. It’s hard enough for Christians to live like Christ and it’s impossible to do so without Him (until the blinders are removed) (2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:24-25).
8. Quit acting like the Great Commission (Go into all the world to preach the gospel) is the Great Suggestion. It’s a command. Go already (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15).
9. Quit thinking that it’s OK to be silent about your faith. Yes, it’s just as important to represent Jesus by how we live, but someone can’t respond to the Good News without hearing it … and they can’t hear it if no one opens their mouth (Matthew 10:27, Romans 10:14-15).
10. Quit being more passionate about your political affiliation than your relationship with Jesus. If 99 percent of what you post on social media consists of bashing government officials and presidential candidates—you’re doing more damage than good (Romans 13:1-7, 2 Chronicles 7:14).
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SOURCE: Charisma News
Chuck Tate
BCNN1 WP 