EASIER SAID THAN DONE
- Key Verse
"This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me." (Matthew 15:8)
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Central Truth
While we can talk the talk of having a relationship with God, the most important thing is that we walk with Him.
Reflections
I think it’s so interesting that even back in Jesus’ time, people proclaimed that they knew God even though in reality they had no relationship with Him whatsoever. Things are similar today. I have been attending Kanakuk Kamps for almost eight years now, and it amazes me how many people go to camp for two weeks and act nicely, read their Bibles, and say and do all the right things there. When they leave to go back home, they leave all those traits behind. This is what we call a “camp high,” which has happened to me once or twice before as well. Sure, it’s easy to say that you’re a Christian, but it’s a lot harder to actually follow through with it.
We all have heard the phrase, “Easier said than done.” For example, I love to run, but sometimes I don’t like to challenge myself out of my comfort zone. When I say I’m going to go run two miles every day and then I realize that it’s too challenging, I am tempted to quit altogether without even trying. Similarly, a relationship with God isn’t something that just happens. It takes time. I will admit that being a true Christian by actually living out the faith is hard. But just like running, you have to work at it to get it better. (James 1:12)
It is often easy for people to put on the act, but that shouldn’t surprise us since it takes hardly any effort. Truthfully, if your relationship with God is non-existent, then you don’t truly have an understanding of either your faith or your purpose on earth. You could be leading two Bible studies, attending four small groups, and going to church weekly, but none of that really even matters unless you have a personal relationship with God. (Romans 10:17) Find some time to clear up your busy schedule, whether it be when you wake up or before you go to bed, so that you can spend time with your best friend.
Discussion Questions
1. Are you spending alone time with God?
2. Are you making your quiet time a priority so that you can be ready to walk the walk?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Reread verses 8 and 9. Does God want us just to do and say the right things? What does He say He wants from us?
2. How do we have hearts that are close to God?
Kay Wyma
February 22, 2010 06:21 AM
Great job, Caroline. A good word on putting your money where your mouth is. I especially like your last sentence about spending time with your best friend. He is our best friend, but its hard for that to be true if we're not spending time with him. ... Thanks for sharing. -K
SarahBeth Jaqua
February 22, 2010 07:12 AM
Hey Cronie! :) So fun to see your sweet face this morning pop up on the Journey. Thanks for encouraging me to spend time with my best friend today. It definitely is something that is easier said than done, but so rewarding and worth the time. Loved getting to spend time with you at DTown! Love you friend.
Eric Colton
February 22, 2010 07:38 AM
Great Devo Carolina! Your words are a perfect for reminding us to get our hearts right as we start out a new week!
Lucina Thompson
February 22, 2010 08:05 AM
What a brilliant title since having a vibrant relationship with Christ is easier said than done! Maybe that's why Jesus said the gate was narrow and only a few find real life by it (7:14). As a fellow runner, I loved your analogy to the time it takes and the temptation to just quit. You spurred me on to a start start today by spending time with Christ--thanks.
Bart Johnston
February 22, 2010 09:25 AM
Thanks for the reminder to make it "the" priority for me to spend time with my Father. I will also forward this to my daughter and son, other Kanakukers, so they can be reminded to rekindle their fire for the Lord. Have a great day!
Julie Penuel
February 22, 2010 10:03 AM
Oh Carol, I just loved waking up to your precious face on the Journey. Thanks for your wise words about walking the walk and not just talking the talk. I feel truly blessed to get to walk alongside you and see you grow in your faith! P.S. I guess that since I yanked one of your teeth out years ago at camp, I have something in common with your brother!
Kathy Fehlbaum
February 22, 2010 10:27 AM
So true. Thank you for your encouragement to stay in a personal walk with the Lord and to stay in the Word. God bless your week!
Jill Moore
February 22, 2010 11:35 AM
Great job, Caroline. Thanks for reminding our family that what Christ cares most about is the condition of our hearts toward Him!
Addie mc
February 22, 2010 08:52 PM
What a GREAT devotional! Thanks a bunch for the great reminder that we need to show that we are Chtistians and not just say we are!!!!!! :)
Robyn Dotson
February 22, 2010 09:39 PM
Caroline, thank you for your encouraging words today! I loved hearing about what the Lord has shown and taught you in your life! Wonderful job!