Many people today fail to see the practicality of Christianity. The basis of Christianity is faith in the person of Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus is what puts us in touch with God.
Jesus said in Saint John’s gospel, “I am the way the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” When we put faith in Jesus, it gives us access to God.
People who have access to God should have a definite advantage in this thing called life. After all, God is all-knowing. If the Christian could tap into the wisdom of God concerning everyday real-life situations, the end result should be a certain level of success and life fulfillment.
The gospels show us a Jesus who made the everyday lives of people he encountered markedly and discernibly better. The Christian life is not a life without challenges or difficulties. However, the Christian life should have as its key signature victory over hardships.
The Bible says that God always causes us to triumph. The Christian life is a life that even overcomes the enemy of death itself.
So what is the missing link? Could it possibly be that the Christian fails to seek Godly guidance and wisdom in everyday life? Could it be that the vehicle of prayer is under-utilized for practical real life situations?
God has given us a remedy for everyday life maladies. He has given us a recipe for victory. The answers to our problems are given in His word. No matter how complex the problem, God’s word gives us simple solutions.
A panacea for life situations is recorded in the Bible in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Next time you encounter difficulties and problems in this thing called life, follow the above instructions. Trust God. Stop depending on your own intellect. Seek his will through the written word and prayer, and let God through his Holy Spirit show you which path to take.
This little formula makes Christianity practical and makes victory over life’s problems attainable. Try it.
The Rev. Anthony Lawson is pastor of Jumping Run Church in La Grange. Reach him at jumprun@embarqmail.com.