Why do Christians give up so many things to try to separate themselves from the world?
I have been asked this question so many times. Not always in those exact words, but usually along that line. People are always wanting to know why Christians do this and why they won't do that.
I was reading today in James and 4:3 really stood out to me. "Know ye not that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whosoever will be the friend of the world is the enemy of God."
All relationships cost something. A father gives up a large part of his paycheck for his children and a mom will give up most of her time. Brothers, sisters, and friends, if they have a good relationship, will end of doing things for each other that aren't always easy or convenient. Again, all relationships cost something. The more a relationship means, the more you are willing to give up for it.
So, why do Christians give up so many things to separate themselves from the "sins" of the world? If the unsaved knew what a vibrant relationship with God is like, they would know how much that relationship is worth and they would never ask that question. They only ask because they really don't know. Tell them. Show them. So many times, they see only religion and it doesn't make sense to them. Religion without a relationship is like a job without pay. It just doesn't make sense.
The next time someone asks you "Why don't you ___?"(fill in the blank), ask them what they wouldn't give up to keep their relationship with their very best friend. Would you rather be friends with this world or with God? That's the choice that Christians face every day.
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Good post...I actually read this a little bit ago but have thought on it several times since then. Its sad to realize how the world tends to view Christianity as a bunch of rules instead of a relationship that brings about an incredible amount of satisfaction. What's even sadder though is how we, as redeemed Christians, often do the very same thing...as if our efforts will outshine God's grace. I'm just so glad that God is patient, that a relationship with Him can be personal and real and that there is joy in serving Jesus.
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