The Gospel is not a DIY Faith

Some of you may know that I have been in the residential remodeling business for a good part of my life. Our company prides itself in doing things well and doing things right. We often get into projects that have quite a bit of detail and take our most skilled craftsmen significant time to complete. I always get a big kick out of people who, after seeing pictures of one of our most difficult projects, will make a silly comment about the fact that they do their own remodeling – suggesting that their “week-end with friends” project would have equal quality as one done by our experienced artisans. I attribute this line of reason to a trend of the last 10-15 years known as “DIY” – Do It Yourself.

Philippians 4:14-16

“It is good of you to share in my troubles…”

As with most evil things in the world today I can blame the source of this wretched phase on one thing and only one thing – the internet! You-tube videos are available for just about any home repair and renovations that you can think of. Wanting to replace a thermostat or perhaps a kitchen sink faucet? Look on YouTube. Want to put new siding or shingles on your house, look on YouTube. All the training materials we would ever need to complete these projects are at our fingertips – making us ever so confident that we think we can probably accomplish just about anything one could possibly think of.

I kind of think this way of thinking filters into our pursuit of our relationship with the Lord. “Religious beliefs” that emphasize certain types of self-help and DIY self-efforts do not depend upon God for truth. Christianity, on the other hand, is a faith that depends upon divine effort. God is the one who saves and changes lives. He and He alone empowers us to run from the evil one and live the Christian life.

Galatians 2:20 NIV

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Are you tempted to practice a DIY version of your faith? As you go about your day, reflect on how many times you rely on yourself to accomplish your goals. How would life change if you gave each moment over to God and asked for His power, help and direction? So – turn off your phones, iPads or laptops and keep the line of communication direct to our heavenly Father.

- Rollie Clarkson

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Celebrating the Gospel Through Baptism

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The Lord’s Prayer as Discipleship Building Blocks