The 5 Essentials

I was listening to a message my college pastor had given a few years ago. He was talking about 5 essentials or values of the Christian life most of us who claim to be "evangelicals" know alot about. The 5 essentials are:

1. Prayer
2. Evangelism
3. Making disciples
4. Serving others
5. The Word

He stated that we "know" alot about these values and we talk ALOT about them, but most of us in The Church in America rarely actually live them out on a day to day basis. And what would it be like if we actually chose to live these 5 simple values out day to day?

Christian bookstores are filled with books and teaching CD's related to these topics; we talk alot about them; we know were are supposed to do them; and we probably could show anyone what the Scriptures have say about them. But, when it comes down to daily living this stuff out, we just don’t do it. Why is that? Why do we go day to day and week to week; months and years with out even sharing our faith once with someone?

I believe there are many reasons, but one that hits me as most prevalent is the self fulfillment mentality and lifestyle associated with American Culture that has invaded the Church in America. Our Church leaders by and large model and preach safety, security, prosperity, and comfort. We some how have come to believe that the purpose for being a "Christian" is so God can give us what we want in order for us to live "good" lives. God in some way has become our self help, self improvement plan and strategy. We often say, "Well, I deserve this, so I'm going to buy it or do it!" We have big houses, big cars, fat checkbooks; all in the name of God. Our churches compete for the biggest buildings, the nicest facilities, the best programs - all so we can entertain in hope of keeping our members in the seats. And what do we have to show for all this - ALOT of people who want nothing to do with God and The Church. We have Christians who have fallen asleep and who are living dead, lifeless, boring lives – where Jesus is simply an historical figure we know a lot about, but have no life-giving personal relationship with.

Even the way we share Jesus with others has been laced with this type of thinking. We say, “Hey, come to Jesus – He’ll make your life better!” While I agree Jesus gives us His Joy and certainly improves our lives, I do not believe following Jesus is easy. In fact, it is a difficult journey where we are called to die to our selves. My journey in knowing and flowing Jesus has been incredible - lifechanging. But, I have certainly run into MANY trials and difficulties on my journey. I would be lying to claim that everything has been rosey and perfect. I’m not suggesting we seek trials, but I certainly embrace them, because it is in those seasons that I am truly broken and humbled. It is in those moments my heart is open to experience the depths of the love of Christ. I am vulnerable, but so desperate for His presence! Is it worth it? Of course!! It is more worth it than we will ever know.

Back to the Church and our culture. The problem is that I don’t see this kind of self-fulfilling, self comforting lifestyle represented or modeled in the Bible or the life of Jesus. Jesus spoke of poverty and of dying to ourselves. He spoke of taking up our cross and following Him. The Church in America has ignored this. We’ve lost this value and our relationship with Him has suffered. Our influence has been reduced to repulsion.

Following Jesus is an amazing, wonderful journey. It’s a moment by moment journey where we get the privilege of walking with a King who deeply and intimately loves us. It’s a moment by moment adventure where God uses us to transform lives as He demonstrates His love and His power to people who deeply need Him. My pastor so often says, "Every morning we wake up to a King eager to lead us on a great adventure, planned before all of time, to experience a deep intimate friendship with Him and to enjoy the pleasure of His presence throughout the day. His name is Jesus!"

I confess; I grew up in this "self-fulfilling" culture that has invaded The Church. Most Christians struggle with this today and many of us don’t even realize it. I believe God is waking up the Church in America. Waking us up to the reality that He has SO MUCH MORE for us!!! He deeply and passionately loves us!! He wants us to know and experience the way He feels about us! He is waiting for us to respond.

The key for you and I is whether or not we will choose to dive in to Him. It’s not easy. If we are going to defeat this american cultural giant that is constantly screaming at us "security", "comfort" and "prosperity", we will have to choose to die to it and to our selves. Death to self is the key. When we fully trust Him and trust His grace to take care of us, we will choose to die and to die daily. Because, as a friend of mine once said, "Our lives are a war of 1000 choices." We choose to follow the world or we choose to follow Jesus! We are living in amazing times. I do not want to miss out on what Jesus is doing in the world. I don’t want to be sitting on my couch watching football while Jesus is out transforming the world. I want to be right up there with Him!!