Have you noticed the Church has been getting kicked around like a rag doll in a mosh pit?
So, whatcha gonna do about it? Run away? Make excuses? Or get in the fray?
The Church isn’t up against some powerful force we’ve never encountered before. Quite the opposite: Those who hate Christ’s Church have never seen such an easy target, with more paunch than punch to it, so to speak.
If you were being pushed around on the beach, or on the sports field, you’d hit the gym, and buff up, wouldn’t you? Of course you would. So, Christian — how does your faith “hit the gym?”
First off — by making it a priority. Set aside the time to develop it.
Second — it’s gonna take work. Pumping iron takes effort, but gets results. Training your heart and mind in faith and character is gonna take the same sort of dedication.
Here are some things that will help you get started:
First off — It’s about Jesus Christ. If your study/prayer/reading etc takes you further from HIm, you’re losing ground.
Second — Get in community. People with a goal to get fit, do well to spend time with others who want the same. That’s the role of Church.
Third — Looking at the lives of the Apostles, there is an emphasis on the Apostles’ teaching (Bible), fellowship, and prayer. Start there.
Fourth — Keep an eye out for tools to supplement #3. Be alert for good books, teaching, even conversation that will encourage and build you up, or give you broader or deeper understanding.
Bonus — Redeem your commute! There are plenty of audio tools (from spoken-word Bibles, podcasts, sermons, debates and audio books) so that your commute, running errands, or otherwise wasted time will be better used.
Here’s a link to an absolute wealth of free tools for bulking up and being ready to push back the next time someone tries to slap down your faith:
Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
It’s everything from the Early Church Fathers to the Modern Era. It also has study tools and commentaries. Dig in!
