Reflections On Our Life in Jesus Christ

Today’s Bible Reading (from Biblegateway.com): Psalm 68-69; Romans 8:1-21
Wednesday’s: Psalm 70-71; Romans 8:22-39

In a private conversation with Dallas Willard (1935-2013), Bill Hybels asked if anything ever got him down. Without missing a beat, the gracious, optimistic Christian philosopher replied, “I’ll tell you what gets me down. It bothers me that Christ followers require so much prompting and cajoling to do God’s work in the world. I know many elders who must beg people to show up for events. They must beg people to use their God-given spiritual gifts to further His Kingdom. They must beg people to read their Bibles and pray and make contributions. Some churches spend thousands of dollars producing emotional videos to move people to care for the poor, because if they didn’t show those videos, their congregations wouldn’t really care for the poor.” He paused and then stated, “It just shouldn’t have to be this way. A Christ follower’s motivation should come from within.”[1]

If we need external motivation for the things of God, we should search our souls to see why we’re not listening to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit within us.

Best regards,
Mark Dillman
Minister, Airport Rd. Church of Christ

[1] Simplify, Bill Hybels, 2014, pg. 214.