Bella Vista Church of Christ
LIFELINES
December 5, 2001 R. Wayne White
Christianity: What Is It All About?
Sometimes we are too quick to think of Christianity in terms of "doctrinal statements and official pronouncements." Because of this, many in our world have seen Christianity as very impractical, irrelevant, and non-essential. Of course this is not the case at all. When we read from the Bible we find many places where we can learn the will of God for our lives today through the principles that are very current and practical. In Romans 12.9-13 we have a series of comments that Paul makes in rapid-fire succession that deal with situations that we face daily. He says:
1. Love must be sincere (without hypocrisy).
2. Hate what is evil, and cling to what is good.
3. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
4. Honor one another above yourselves.
5. Never lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
6. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
7. Share with God's people who are in need.
8. Practice hospitality.
When I look at these principles, I find that we are not looking at something that has little to no effect upon my life, rather, I am seeing attitudes that are as current as the daily news. Paul is saying that our beliefs must be put into real use in our lives on a permanent basis. Maybe those who consider Christianity more "doctrinal" rather than practical have been convinced by what they have seen in the lives we lead!
R. Wayne White, Dallas, Tex.
