By Larry P. Stover

I was re-reading one of my all-time favorite books this past week: “The Incendiary Fellowship” by Elton Trueblood. Though published in 1967 it is a must read for any Christian who is serious about their faith.

I have to agree with Trueblood’s quote, “Committed Christian are a minority at the present time.” The evidence of this fact is everywhere. I’m not speaking of people who practice a vague form of Christianity. I’m speaking of those who call themselves committed to Jesus Christ.

Many so-called Christians today don’t like church, worship, the pastor, the music, etc. Their excuse is that religion is a private and personal matter. I can worship in the woods, at the lake, with my friends. I can worship anywhere.

While it ought to be personal, the Bible never alludes to the idea that it is only personal.

Committed Christians today do not completely reject the church. Many are very happy that it exists. They can avail themselves of the services it offers from time to time without being seen as a fanatic.

Even a cursory reading of the New Testament calls believers everywhere to be committed to Jesus Christ and the church. It was not about fanaticism; it was about interaction within the body of believers as they related to each other and to the people around them.

Committed Christianity is drastically different from “religion in general.” It is based on the idea that we serve a God who is still capable of the miraculous. He can do anything! “The New Testament persistently interprets life as being lived in the paradoxical expectancy of the unexpected.”

We still believe in the life changing power of a daily personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This awesome God is very interested in our daily lives and has a wonderful plan for anyone who is willing to enter the realm of a “committed relationship” with Him.

One of our great needs in Dallas County is a revival of Christian commitment. Christians need to practice the principle of Bible verse 2 Chronicles 7:14. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is still the answer to the needs of our area. We desperately need to penetrate our communities with a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Pray with me: Dear God, I need a fresh encounter with you today. Restore the joy I used to have as a Christian. Renew the passion that once motivated me in every area of my life. I want to be a contagious Christian! I want a fresh vision to reach people around me for Jesus Christ. Most of all, I want people to see a reflection of Jesus Christ in my life every day. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Being a “committed Christian” is “Simply beautiful!”