A long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I wasted my time being a high school student.
I skipped classes, did the least amount of work required to skirt by, quit baseball my junior year, earned a Ph.D in passing notes during lectures, and was never able to muster the courage to befriend the girl that I had a two-year crush on.
(Incidentally, I was a pitcher for my high school baseball team. And like many other young dudes, my dream was to play in the Majors. So when I saw this guy on TV for the first time, my first reaction was to pinch myself.)
Anyways, when the day came when many of my classmates were being rewarded with full-ride scholarships, I was crestfallen.
I had wasted my time as a high school student.
Well, dear Christian, you can do the same with your walk with the Lord.
You can waste your time as a Christian.
Paul exhorts us to “redeem the time because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).
Make no mistake: It takes time to know the Lord. It takes time to learn to live before Him. It takes time to grow in His life. And you can easily waste that time.
In fact, there are specific things that you can do (or neglect) that will throttle your spiritual life.
Namely . . .
10 Ways in Which You Can Waste Your Time Being a Christian
This entire blog post has been revised and turned into a chapter in The Rethinking Series.
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Great Post, Frank. I picked #1,#2 and #9.
#10 – The 14+ year trial in my life has brought me closer to my Lord than I ever would have been without it. Thank you Father for leading me through the valley and meeting my every need.
#3 – Communication is an essential component of any relationship…particularly an eternal one.
#4 – See comment on #3.
Frank, I just discovered this blog today, and have burnt up much of my morning reading through it. I have elected to comment here, because I think that this is a topic well worth discussing and teaching in our assemblies, and because I have found the discussion on this post particularly stimulating. Love the blog, I find it very edifying.
Linked it on my blog already this morning. Well worth the read, and most certainly worthy of sharing. Thank you.
Sola Gratia,
Sola Fide,
Sola Christus,
Sola Scriptura,
Sola Deo Gloria,
Amen
Hi Frank!
I’m very happy to resume reading you after almost two weeks far away from this community.
Well, I’ll choose 1, 3, & 7.
1- because I’ve experienced living with bitterness in the heart and its consequences in others as well as myself. But I’ve also experienced the joy and freedom in letting the matter go.
3- because our Lord is interested in communing with us than when we do a lot of things without Him being at the centre. After all, everything has its meaning only when it’s by Him.
– Finally, 7 because my personal experience tells me that I need other believers for real spiritual growth ( but I still find very difficult to approach others and befriend them in focusing on Christ alone as our subject of discussion and not doctrines or creeds!). I’ll be glad if you could post on this matter one day Frank.
Frank,
Very timely. Thank you for this. A few of the leaders of our campus ministry program and I have been praying for guidance in how help situations like this to disappear from our campus body, due to it hindering the way people see Christ in our community. There is an abundance of students who love the idea of speaking fluent Christianese but have no idea how to actually live it out and it’s not a matter of being mad and sinning against THEM but realizing the pain it causes others and how little people take Christians seriously here now. I’m just glad there are men of God like you that listen to what the Lord is saying and can share those thoughts with others so that we may continue to share that knowledge.
Blessings.
Hi Frank
Thanks for the thoughts. I would pick #3,4, and 6.
Can you please just explain to me the follow quote from #4: “They reveal Christ and contain God’s life (John 5:39; 6:63; 2 Timothy 3:16).” I just want to know where does the Bible reveal ‘God’s life’? I don’t find that in any of the passages you referenced. If with ‘God’s life’ you mean Jesus’ life I understand, but you have already mentioned Christ, so that probably doesn’t make sense.
Hope to hear from you soon!
It’s explained in detail in this talk: http://ptmin.podbean.com/2010/10/04/living-by-the-indwelling-life-of-christ/ – no time for more.
After reading all this I have to chime in. Please know I am not debating or arguing any one of you, just sharing personal experience. I’ll try to keep it brief. 🙂
I’ve experienced much loss in my life and I’ve been in some very deep valleys and had some incredible mountain top experiences with my Lord. I am a passionate Christ follower, who studies His Word and loves to spend hours of intimate time with Him. The Lord has gotten me through some very dark times and I know that IF all I had was Him, I would be content because He would empower me to survive whatever He allowed in my life BUT…
because He created a world full of His children; each with unique gifts, talents, and experiences (filled with insights) I have been blessed by the strength, wisdom and encouragement of my spiritual siblings. Both those I know personally and those I will only meet in eternity.
There have been times when I was too exhausted or discouraged to pick up my Bible or didn’t know how to pray any more. God in His love and mercy would send someone “with skin on” to get me through or lead me to “just the right” book for my situation.
I do not think these experiences devalue the Bible or lessen the power of the Spirit. I am constantly reminded that God called men to write, to record and to protect His written Word. No other book will ever replace it or be equal to it, but I don’t believe He stopped working through His created children once it was completed.
Completely agree with you. The list represents that which is general, certain “seasons” are exceptions.
“Live under the delusion that all you need is the Holy Spirit and your Bible.”
Wow. Just wow.
So, all manner of believers outside the Western Hemisphere, then, are just up the creek without a paddle due to the lack of those books and messages in their lives, from a practical standpoint?
From a theological standpoint, The Bible–that food for your spirit, inerrantly revealing all things necessary for our life and salvation–needs something in addition to it to properly nourish our souls and bring about life and salvation?
It takes something in addition to the Holy Spirit living and dwelling within us, with all the power and help that entails, to live the Spirit-filled life?
Wow.
I beg your pardon, but 90% of people in the first century couldn’t read and had no access to a Bible. The OT was scarce and the NT hadn’t been written. The early Christians relied on an indwelling Lord *in the body of Christ* via the apostles teaching (based on the teaching of Jesus Himself) and the ekklesia. The same is true today. The body of Christ interprets Scripture and God still speaks through the body (1 Cor. 12:1ff.). The point is that spiritual growth in the NT is *never* envisioned as something disconnected from the body of Christ. The idea that says “just you and your Bible is all you need” cannot be sustained by Scripture. Converts were brought into communities called ‘ekklesia’ in which they lived, moved, and had their being. Wow! 🙂
And, I’m not saying that believers should be disconnected from the Body of Christ. Absolutely, the Body of Christ is a way that God uses to interpret scripture and aid spiritual growth.
What I’m saying is this: You’ve seemingly limited that connection and defined in terms of what one can physically get their hands on, which isn’t always the case.
And, by the way, let me respectfully point out that the argument in question was never “you and your Bible are all you need,” but rather, was “the Holy Spirit and God’s Word need help,” which is what a statement like that which I’ve quoted comes of as. 🙂
Also, wasn’t the statement “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28)? Just saying. 🙂
Wasn’t quoting that text, was using the phraseology to make another point. Very common for writings. Sort of like “just saying.” 😉
Semantics. The Spirit in a believer is a given. I still don’t see what your disagreement is over. I don’t recall the word “physically” used, though we only have 1 reference in the NT of an individual being saved outside of community: the Ethiopian eunuch. But history tells us he went back to his city, shared the gospel, and a community was formed. There are disciples of Jesus everywhere. Wasn’t thinking of the horrifyingly rare person stuck on an island all their lives without computer or phone. If what you are NOT suggesting that Christians do not need other believers to grow into the fullness of Jesus, then we agree.
I totally agree with Brian. If you only have the Holy Spirit and the Bible, that will stick with you for life while churches (including “organic churches”) fall apart and the believers disperse because they simply cannot find common ground and nicely written books have no depth on biblical doctrine. This isn’t “delusional” as Frank would put it. The Bible clearly states that many will try to introduce false doctrine. Nice books, essays and blogs are no replacement for the Holy Spirit and God’s Word. They will disappear but His Word will not.
Please show me a biblical basis for an individual Christian life without fellowship with other believers. The NT is clear that the fullness of Jesus Christ is located in His ekklesia (read 1 Cor. 12:1ff.). “The eye can’t say to the hand, I have my Bible so I have no need of you.” You seem to be reading into that one statement that the Scriptures aren’t important. Not so. What the NT teaches is that the body is important as both. It’s both/and not either/or. Seems like you’re suggesting you have no need of other believers, all you need is your Bible in your room to live in isolation. If that’s NOT what you’re saying, then we agree. 😉
I understand the sensitivity in this debate. It is so reassuring to me that IF i had no one else, IF i were totally and utterly abandoned, i COULD
Yep. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Though I’m not sure about coming to His fullness alone. But surely He wouldn’t abandon. Nonetheless, such hypothetical questions are sort of like asking, “what about the guy who never heard the gospel and he’s mentally ill?” That really has little to do most with us in our present situation. 🙂
Bitterness. No alone time with the trinity. And last but certainly not least. Solo Christian.
I feel like these 3 in particular are piosoness to a believing community. It will create shallow, selfish, and non unified churches. The solo Christian thing is something that goes against the established culture and society of America. It has been really hard for our community to break out of this. It takes a renewed mind for sure. Bitterness Is really easy to seep into an organic church. Believers are often in life together very often and without communication and honesty bitterness can creep in and break down the living stones of His building. And Frank you mention a lot that out of the closet comes the fruit to share with a the church in meetings and life. I have found this to be true 🙂 without that alone time with the the Trinity it’s hard to have a deep church. It will be in the closet that the Lord will give you things to share with your family in your meetings and in life. But obviously it’s not the only place the Lord speaks 🙂 it’s just an import place to not forget because you are in community with others all the time 🙂
#3 & #7 are my top two choices. I’ve noticed that when those are the same two behaviors that I struggle with the most, but when I press in and keep at it, I see the most growth. Maybe it’s because it’s those two actions that leave the least amount of tolerance for a superficial or religious response.
Also, when I spend time getting to know Jesus, I can know for sure that I’m exactly where I need to be, I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing and I have everything I need. My “vertical” relationship with Jesus enables me to have can have healthy “horizontal” relationships. I don’t have to struggle with jealousy or bitterness or feeling insecure towards others if I know I’m right where Jesus wants me. But if I’m not spending time searching Jesus’ heart and lining up my heart with his, I feel like I’m floating around in the dark, getting pulled in all these different directions.
And then the reason I think I feel #7 is so important is because it’s with your Family that the mess comes out and you learn what it means to die. Some things don’t die right away and you have to figure it out. Other things die fast and then it’s like you have new life. But having intimate, real relationships with your brothers and sisters is where all the refining happens. They see things about you that you don’t, and vice versa. You learn what it looks like to be vulnerable, what it means to actually love -you’ve had the difficult conversations and made the choice to stick together anyways because you’re not living for your own happiness – you’re living for Someone outside of yourselves. You learn what it means to trust Jesus in your relationships and to trust that He didn’t make a mistake when he placed this group of people around you. At first you might catch yourself thinking, gosh we’re all so messed up and then maybe you’ll feel this relief or thankfulness that God still loves us despite our sinfulness — But then you find out that God can’t help but love us. It’s not out of pity for us – He rejoices over us! He looks at us and sees a family and children, princes and princesses and we’re all amazing to Him. And then you don’t just feel a superficial thankfulness towards Jesus, you feel the heart of Jesus for His Bride, His Body. We are rightfully His and He deserves nothing less than the best.
So those are the two hardest things for me: laying down my right to my own time (#3) and laying down my right to my self (#7) – but they are also where I mature and grow the most.
Thanks for this post. Numbers 4 & 6 made me cringe in self-evaluation. Life is crowded, as well as the household, and I really need to carve out the private space and the time to read more scipture and other authors…which usually drives me to private time with the Lord and feeds every other # on the list 🙂
Wonderful post! I think your writing draws people because it is honest and from the heart even when tackling the tough topics. Difficult question from such a great list, but going with my first gut response…
1) Solitary time with the Lord (this encompasses a lot)
2) Fellowship with others (again, quite inclusive of needs)
3) Avoid bitterness like the plague (it’s a prison) and avoiding bitterness will contribute immensely to #1 and #2.
Perhaps they are a bit unpopular, but I have come to see the value of 1, 9, and 10. Recently, I read N.T. Wright’s two newest books (Simply Jesus and How God Became King). He really drove home the point that Jesus established a kingdom where you win by losing; where you exercise your royal privilege by serving and placing yourself beneath others rather than trying to overpower them.
In a recent scuffle with my dearest friend (you know, the kind that you only have with your very closest friends) I had a moment where I was going through in my head all the ways in which I had been wronged. Then Jesus reminded me of what I had just learned about His character. He suggested that I apply it by voluntarily losing the fight and doing everything I could to be what the other party needed without considering what I needed. The result was humbling, but I found that a soft answer really does turn away wrath. I also grew closer to both my friend and my Lord, because I found that in letting go of my need for vindication I had, in some small way, taken up my cross and followed Him (incidentally, since my friend is a considerate person, I found my needs addressed as well even though I didn’t bring them up, though I don’t suppose that is to be expected in every moment of crucifixion).
I guess I value 1, 9, and 10 because most crosses are inflicted on you by other people, and you can really grow closer to Jesus and understand Him better if you follow Him to the cross. I guess that’s the darker side of letting Him live His life through you!
Great topic Frank and I loved reading everyone’s thoughts as well. For me, if I had to pick 2 or 3 most important it would be #2 in bold and at the top!!! Let’s get rid of the I (or ME) center living. As i just finished reading Ultimate Intention I can see how, we have even made Christianity all about ME and what we get out of it, instead of focusing on God’s true purpose….
After that I would say #7 & 6
All are great though
Holy cow, I thought you were writing my bio.! Great post
Thanks Frank, I’m glad you stopped at 10. I can’t take anymore exposure.
I think if you don’t pay attention to #3 & #4, you really don’t have any strength in which to follow through on the others. I think I’m in good company though when I say, who hasn’t walked the way of all of these points…easy to go there isn’t it.
This message was very timely because I have just spent the last week messaging my gripes, jealousies, expectations of others, blame, loneliness for fellowship etc on the actions of others who don’t have a clue they are my target of self pity; really I’m just sinking in the mire of my own stupidity.
Thanks for waking me up; this message was for me today.
Take it as an encouragement. Not condemnation. We remind one another. I’m daily in need of such.
Great Post Frank! Right now for me #2 would be important because God is showing me how to live my life for others instead of for myself. Also #10 because over the past year I have had a couple of crisis in which I am submitting to the Lord and I am discovering Jesus in new ways. Also, I agree with Sabrina in how you are always encouraging us to speak well of others.
Great topic Frank! The time is surely now and has always been and will always be to not live in vain for the Lord!!
The two I pick to be most important are:
#3 Spending time with the Lord in solitude-I believe this is the life source of the Christian life. The special importance with this time alone with Him is that it allows opportunity for a deeper and more intimate relationship to get to know Him as a person,a friend, a comforter, a lover, a father, a brother, a protector, (fill in the blank). This intimacy by default permeates our hearts, spirit and mind to look, talk, walk like His heart, spirit and mind, which then becomes an outpouring into every area of our life. If this is true, oh what a testament to His life, His person, His power!
#7 Not living as a solo Christian: I personally believe that this is the biggest lie/deception from the devil. The idea that we can live a Christian life by ourselves, without fellowship/relationships with any other believers of the same mind. The Divine fellowship/relationship of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a community–God is communal. He intended for man/mankind to emulate that same fellowship in the Earth by way of our life in Christ. If we (His body) are intended to be His image, we were intended to be communal just as He is.
I picked # 3, 6 and 7 because I see people (including myself, some times) 🙂 being extreme in this areas. There should be moderation in all things, except loving my Lord!
I appreciate all that you write… the humor and the things that makes one think.
Frank,
Great hook on the title for this one – you totally had me. Had to read it. 🙂
I agree with all of these and they are really good reminders. Very tough to pick three, but I’ll say I’ve seen bitterness really destroy some people and their relationship with Christ and others. Spending time alone with the Lord is critical. I can see a difference when I slack in this area. It’s hard to pick a third one after those, so I’ll say it’s a tie for the rest.
An additional one could be something along the lines of putting yourself (or your church) on a pedestal. Considering yourself greater/holier/more correct/more spiritual than other Christians. Ignore the humility of Christ, who came as a servant to the lowly, the poor, and the least.
Yes, sectarianism, elitism and exclusivism are right up there on the list. I write and speak on this problem so much that some people may tire of it. 😉
GREAT ARTICLE…AND AN ATTENTION GETTING APPROACH!
Great post Frank. Looking forward to this new season with you.
I would add a 2b. Spend time in intimate worship and praise, in addition to the solitude.
You are appreciated.
Ron Pagliarulo
@Ron, I agree…some people feel funny praising the Lord by themselves, yet the Jews believed reading the Torah itself was worship…
Frank, I find it interesting you approach this matter of being a Christian from a seemingly “negative” point of view. Very clever 🙂
For me I think numbers 3 and 4 are vital – if a Christian doesn’t spend time alone with the Lord and if he doesn’t read the Word of God in a prayerful way… – there’s almost no way to go on. I find that this time alone with God – repeated and solid, even having set times – is “charging the battery” of our spiritual life AND also imparts something in us, something of what’s on God’s heart….
Great post, Frank. Some of these things have been rummaging through my mind a lot lately. For me, some of the most important for would be #3-5.
Big Frank,
This post is right on the money and very timely. I had a dream a couple weeks ago where I was right back in college and flunking out of class because I didn’t take it seriously enough. The dream mirrored how I approached school in the past and it served as warning not to waste my time with the Lord now. Even though all 10 are very important 3,7,2 stand out to me: (3) that individual, solitude time with the Lord is the catalyst to everything else; (7) stands out because our Lord is communal and His eternal purpose is very communal; and (2) spells out putting others before yourself and that’s the expression of Christ. Thanks for sharing bro!
At this point in life 3,4,and 1 are certainly things I am dealing with. Great post at the right time. Thanks!
By the way, as a Twins fan I’m pretty happy that the other Frank threw some good pitches, and you throw some good curve balls, which have helped me greatly in rethinking life. I guess I got the best of both worlds.
I guess right now in my life I need to be constantly aware of my words about other believers, so numbers 5 and 8 are particularly important right now. And I want you to know that I appreciate how much grace you demonstrate and how you seem to be constantly reminding your readers to speak well of others, especially brothers and sisters in Christ. Number three is at the very top in importance to me, though.
Thanks for the encouragement. Means a lot.
Frank, loved the post and shared it. I Found it on Google+ but I didn’t see a +1 here on your page? Thanks again for the great post.
In a small way, I kind of disagree with the school analogy. I think I’m just very resistant to school in a lot of ways, so I’m biased. School is compulsory. God is not.
I agree with every single thing on this list, though. So, to pick 3 as the most important? Hmm. #9 is the big one for me. It’s so important to me to take responsibility for the wrongs and mistakes I’ve done.
The next two would be #3 and #1. Begin with God first, in solitude, then go from there.
I tend to be a bitter person at times. My biggest thing is to not hold grudges and to allow God to cleanse that palate. To move me beyond it and correct that wrong. Which goes back to taking responsibility for what God wants me to do.
Thanks Kayla. LOL on the school comment. I feel bad about it because I could have learned a lot more if I had paid attention. But I made it up in college . . . I think. 😉
Frank, great thoughts. As to the top 3: I’d say 3, 4, and 7; because without them, you aren’t living the Christian life at all.