Wearisome Words

 It has long been a frustration of mine that we, both as Christians and as a society, have "dumbed down" the word "Christian".  We have robbed it of its very essence.  Christian by very simple definition is one who follows Christ.  One who has made the biblical commitment (baptism) to belong to Him, to obey Him, to love Him, and to follow Him for the rest of their days.  We do this, accessing His blood, not just to avoid the penalty of sin, but to be able to live with Him in Heaven for all eternity!  It is a commitment! And that commitment is both commanded and necessary. 

I hear people, even some in the church, call every nice person they meet "Christian".  I have a good Christian neighbor....the coach is a good Christian..my son is dating a good Christian girl.  If this is indeed accurate, and they are indeed Christ followers, bless you.

But so often the description is used interchangeably with the word nice or kind or well behaved.  They are NOT interchangeable.  I think often about our covenant with God. He tells us it is like a marriage covenant.  Now, I love my husband dearly, and lots of other people love him too.  He is a true minister of the Lord.  I am glad he is loveable.  However, just because he loves them, they do not get to call themselves "Ned's wife" of "Mrs. Ned Cooper".  Those titles are reserved for me and are rooted in my covenant with him...to respect him, honor him, love him, live with him, walk with him until one of us dies. So it is with the title of "Christian".

Malachi 2:17 says " you have wearied God with your words.  "How have we wearied him you ask.  By saying those who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord and he is pleased with them" or "where is the God of justice?' 

I think we weary Him with our words and actions.  Don't you think it tires Him every New Year when our resolutions include "spend more time in prayer" or "read the entire Bible this year?  Do you wonder if He shakes His head when we say we are His but don't love each other?  Perhaps He sighs when we make plans without prayerfully consulting Him and then are upset when they go awry?  Maybe He hears our words of condemnation of sin (sins of others) while He sees us committing the very same?

I think He is wearied, and perhaps disappointed, and yet merciful and loving. I am thankful that He still loves me, even when my words and thoughts are wearisome.  I want to be a woman of my word---a woman of the Word--a woman who lives like a child of God.  I don't want to weary God with my words.....or my actions...or my thoughts.

Blessings,

Neva

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