Lite Christians

Have you noticed for some time now everybody has a "lite" product? It may be a carton of milk, and certainly the "Bud" people have their famous "lite." I don't want any of that stuff, lite or otherwise. Sometimes this "lite" busi­ness does nothing but confuse me. My wife sent me to the store the other day for some "cream cheese" (probably making some desert that more of if the church members get hold of than I do). But there I was - standing before all these boxes of cheese, not knowing whether to get "lite" or "regular." I guess it’s supposed to be better for you, and not have as much of the “good stuff” as the regular product has.

It occurs to me that this "lite" business has even gotten into the lives of some Christians. The tragedy is that most want to be Christians, but "just let me lighten up a little bit." We know that God expects some substance to our lives as his people, and yet if we are not careful, we can become the "lite" version.

We need to understand that when we take the substance out of our lives, we become hollow shells of what God would have us to be. These are folks that for years we have called "luke­warm" Christians.

The idea has gotten into our study of God's word. We skim over a Bible lesson occasionally, never putting a great lot into it. This is what Paul called only taking the "milk" of the word into our spiritual systems, and when that happens we are consigned to lifelong spiritual "babyhood" (1 Cor. 3:1-2; Heb. 5:12-14).

It often gets into our daily living. We know intellectually what God expects of us; how he wants us to live. We know as Christians there are certain things we are to do and not to do. Yet when faced with the situation, and es­pecially under peer pressure, we often "lighten up" a little and compromise our faith and convictions. When that happens, we have become a "lite" Christian. The “good stuff” is all gone!

Sometimes this "lite" stuff gets into our works of benevolence. A brother or sister is in need of assistance of some sort. Are we willing to give of our ability to that need? Do we sit back and say, "well, it's the church's business to take care of that" Maybe so (depends on the circumstances), but we need to individually give to the needs of others, and do so gladly and generously. To give of our abundance when we could do more puts the "lite" into our benevolence.

And so we hope the point is made. Let's get some weight into our Christi­anity and leave the "lite" things in whatever products man puts them in. God has certainly not put it in Christi­anity. - Bill Moseley

 

 

 

 

They tell me the old Oriental custom is for the wife to walk two or three steps behind the husband. When you see this is the U.S it tells you something else - it tells you the one a step or two ahead is probably the one who is mad! This is probably the same couple who have just told their friends they have been mar­ried for over 40 years and never had an argument. Maybe so - but most likely they have a good case of amnesia.

We all could adopt the practice of one couple who determined never to argue over anything unless it was worthwhile. Of course, what this always leads to is a dandy fuss over whether or not the subject is worthwhile or not. And one thing most husbands need to learn - that argument with your wife you thought you won? well, it's not over yet!

I guess a little of this adds a little zip to life if it's done in the right way. But we ought not argue for the sake of, or just to win an argument. That too is a sure fire recipe for disaster somewhere along the road. Seems to me we would all be better off if we would let the other have their way once in awhile - and even apologize if we're wrong. 

It's a joy to see husbands and wives who enjoy a good and pleasant relation­ship. But hardheadedness is probably the best way to ruin what might be a great relationship. And don't ever think you're the one who is always right - I guarantee - 'taint so! - Bill Moseley