Dull Christians
January 29th, 2009Some Christians are dull. They have lost their zeal and grow weary of Christian living. Their learning about God and the Bible has reached a plateau. Their edge has become dull. The problem is they have failed to see the importance of attending church services and fellowship. Proverbs 27:17 says: “Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” Just as a file can shape and sharpen tools to a fine point, frequent interation with other Christians can shape and sharpen us into useful tools for God.
First, Christian examples help shape us. Paul wrote “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The lives of Christians imitating Christ are living lessons teaching us how to be better Christians. As a child, I remember the example of my father. We had to drive 25 miles to church one way, but we made every service including Wednesday Bible studies and devotionals. Gas prices were rising back then as well, but it didn’t matter—church was important. When he was switched to working nights, he still made every service. He came home from work around 6:30 a.m. and left for church at 8:45 a.m. (still a 25 mile drive). The importance he placed on attending services and his dedication has stuck with me and helped shape me into the Christian I am today. By observing Christian role models and frequent interaction with Christians our lives can be shaped to better serve God.
Second, Christian conversation and discussion sharpens us. Too often, people think they know it all. Many have the attitude they do not need the church because they can do everything as home themselves. I have lost count of how many times I have studied a passage for hours. I thought I had looked at it from every angle. When I taught the passage, however, someone in class brings up a point or question I never considered that added depth to the passage. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, tells us two are better than one; if one falls the other is there to help—we can make up for each other’s weakness. Alone, however, all we have is our weaknesses. By engaging in Christian conversation our knowledge of God’s Word is increased.
Third, Christian support helps us keep our edge. It can be hard to live a Christian live day in and day out when so many are rejecting God and living immorally. Otherwise, we would not have to be warned not to lose heart in doing good (Galatians 6:9). God has given us a spiritual family, however, to encourage and help us on this journey. In Hebrews 10:23-25 where we are told not to get into the habit of forsaking the assembly, the reason is because this is where we encourage and stimulate one another on to love and good deeds. Without this encouragement, Christians slowly drift away—their edge becoming duller and duller. When we interact with other Christians it helps us to maintain our edge and continue serving God.
Don’t be dull! Make sure you are taking every opportunity to interact with other Christians—Bible classes, worship services, devotionals, visiting, eating meals together, etc. Regular and continual interaction with other Christians is necessary for a good spiritual life. It will make you the best tool you can be for God. Why not make the commitment to be there every time the church meets? Then, make the commitment to bring someone else with you so you can help shape and sharpen them.
