Stop Being A Spectator Christian: 2 Timothy 3:10-11
“10) But you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11) persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!” 2 Timothy 3:10-11
You will either be part of the problem or part of the solution. Paul wanted Timothy to be part of the solution. He wanted him to follow his teaching and example. He wanted him to focus on godly character and virtue while living courageously on the front lines for the glory of God.
Paul pointed out that living for Jesus Christ would bring persecution and suffering. His own life was marked by hardship, but out of it all the Lord delivered him.
That paradox always grips me about the New Testament church. Paul was a prime example. He experienced suffering and hardships beyond imagination mixed with supernatural signs and wonders beyond description.
There is a principle here that should be noted. Gods grace and power shows up most on the front lines and in the midst of the storms of life. Faith is least dynamic for spectator Christians. The Christian life was not intended to be lived in neutral.
You never see the power of a turbo charged engine idling on the show room floor. If you want to see what a big diesel engine can do, load the semi trailer to the max and go pull some mountains. The same is true for the Christian life. If you want to experience God, get out of your recliner and join Him in moving some mountains.
If you strive for peace and safety and carefully protect a big comfort zone, don’t be surprised if you reap a mundane Christian life. Stop being a spectator and step to the front lines. Attempt something big for God, expect something big from God! But don’t expect it to be easy.
Go on a missions trip, help build an orphanage or sponsor a 3rd world pastor and his family, tackle poverty, sit down with a troubled teen ager and talk about God, share the gospel with a friend or stranger, visit someone in prison or in a homeless shelter.
The goal is to drive your prayer life deeper and start listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Obey His promptings. Do something beyond yourself that forces you to depend on God! Get moving and depend on God to direct your momentum. Stop being a spectator Christian.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global