In the last few days I’ve touched on the need to intentionally choose God. I also discussed how we have to make that decision, even when the path isn’t safe or easy. But there is still another aspect of being intentional: our individual needs. These are the things I consider the “personal preferences” of faith. In other words, we need to understand what we personally need in our relationship with God.
Paul said, “I have become all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 21-23) but he also said we should not cause others to fail (Romans 14:21). We may have permission to do a lot of things, but doing so isn’t always the best option! Recognizing what causes us to fail, and then avoiding it by changing our lives is important to our long-term relationship with God.
I haven’t been to church in about 4 weeks. To some that may not seem like much. But to me it’s been a huge deal. Part of how I’m wired is to need church. Of course it’s not the building, the free coffee, or even the messages. What I really need is the sense of community I get from the church. Something important happens, which I don’t fully understand, when I go to church and see others excited about God.
For me going to church needs to be a regular part of my Christian faith. So what is it for you? What do you need to do that keeps you centered on God? What do you need to avoid so that you aren’t tempted?
Answer those questions and you’ll have a better idea of how you need to live your life to remain close to God.
