Living the Adventure

I never cease to be amazed at how many Christians live stale lives. They rarely see God work. When faced with challenges they often cave in. They fight about insignificant issues in church.

Yet, Sunday after Sunday they’re promised an extraordinary life from God. And I think most hope for that. Some have even experienced it at some point.

Yet, they’ve settled into mediocre spirituality. They’ve become complacent just going through the motions. They think more in terms of the required minimum to just keep God happy.

And their lives have become well, dull.

So why do a few seem to experience what I would call the amazing life God offers? Yet, so many don’t?

Paul gives an answer, “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4: 13 NIV)

This verse continues the previous one where he said pastors and teachers are given not to do the work of building up the church but to equip each of us to be involved in that ministry.

Here he outlines what happens when we exercise our spiritual muscles and get involved. And frankly I think it’s a pretty compelling list.

First, we’ll discover unity with other believers who are engaged in the same mission. We may be from different cultures but we share a common goal. And that immediately links us.

Second, we’ll know Jesus in a way we simply will never know him otherwise. When you’re stretching, using your gifts I’ll guarantee you’ll see him. You’ll feel his presence as a personal friend in a way you just won’t otherwise.

Third, we’ll grow up and mature. We gain wisdom for the challenges. You’ll be led by God in ways that will simply amaze you. You’ll sense his promptings. You’ll see him open the right doors.

Fourth, we’ll grow in experiencing the whole measure of the fullness of life that God intended and Jesus promised. The abundant life overflowing with all the blessings God can give us. We’ll live the promised adventure. In short we’ll be fully alive.

And frankly that’s what makes me want to live that way.

Living the adventure or not the choice is ours.  (Tweet)

When have you felt truly alive in God and lived his adventure?