It is dangerous (and far too easy) to become lethargic in Christian living.  Without intentionality we take God’s favor and our security in Him for granted.  Assurance of our salvation should produce diligence, not presumption.

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As believers, we have certainty when it comes to our relationship with God.  God has and will take care of our needs in the present and the future.  Security in any relationship is best stewarded with humble appreciation.  I’m not much for fine art.  Not because I don’t like it but more because I haven’t been trained in it.  I don’t know how to properly appreciate the intricacies and details of a painting or sculpture.  Most of us don’t know how to appropriately appreciate the unconditional sureness that comes with a relationship with God.

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I have a secure marriage.  Because I feel safe in my marriage, I have a choice.  I can treat my marriage flippantly because of my certainty or I can diligently work to make my marriage better with every passing day.  If my marriage is truly secure, the marriage won’t change but the experience certainly does.  Dishonoring my spouse and our marriage is not the way to deepen the relationship.

And be very careful around them so you don’t lose out on what we’ve worked so diligently in together; I want you to get every reward you have coming to you. Anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on God. But whoever stays with the teaching, stays faithful to both the Father and the Son–2 John 8-9 (The Message)

John is writing to believers to remind them that though they have security through Jesus, they are not to become apathetic or cocky.

Because of Jesus, believers are secure in their relationship with God.  We have a guarantee of Jesus’ steadfast love through the Holy Spirit.  (Ephesians 1:13-14)  I love the way The Message says it.  It says we’ve been “signed, sealed and delivered by the Holy Spirit. ”  Because of God’s steadfastness and our sin nature we easily become lazy and self-centered.  Our hearts drift to a place where we no longer exist for the betterment of the Kingdom but begin to believe the Kingdom of God exists for our benefit alone.

The Kingdom of God always exists, first, for the glory and recognition of God.  As a byproduct, we receive the benefit and responsibility of a citizen of that Kingdom.  Our role requires a diligence not a presumption of our rights.  Remembering our position as both heir and servant is vital to a growing relationship with Jesus.

Question: Has God’s grace caused you to become lazy?  Is there reason for God to intervene and remind you of your position in Him?  Take some time to allow God to examine and change those parts which don’t best reflect His character.

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