Saturday, October 10, 2015

How do Christians have fun? (Quality Time with God)

What an Amazing week my husband and I spent in Cancun celebrating our 3rd year Anniversary and my birthday on a few weeks ago.  It felt great to get away from the demands of life and be able to spend quality time with each other.  Life and Business can get in the way of that so these getaways mean everything.  We stayed at an incredible resort and our trip was all inclusive so that means all food and all beverages were included and accessible mostly all day and night.  I know many of you have taken all-inclusive trips so you know exactly how that works and how you can easily get sucked into the atmosphere around you.  In particular, I am referencing spirits aka alcoholic beverages that are at your disposal every way you turn. God delivered me from the use of alcohol and I am grateful for that.  It was necessary in my case! I didn’t want a decision to have “fun” destroy my witness. The ambiance and view of the beach was absolutely amazing and because we stayed at one of the all adult resorts, nudity or topless at best was encouraged and several of the women took full advantage of their tatas being on display all day.
   
 dinner cruise hubby and I went on and our meal.  It was delicious!

While the resort offered loads of amenities and opportunities, as a believer; I had to stick to my daily spiritual practices.  Even on my vacation, I had to be intentional about representing who I profess and confess to serve.  Yes, I was around a lot of people who I may never ever see me again but I didn’t allow that to become an excuse for getting turnt up the world’s way.  While I took a break from life demands, I didn’t however didn’t take a break from God.  I know when some believers go on vacation, everything stops including them getting up to pray, reading and studying their word and devotion time etc.  I have seen where those who profess Christ act completely different when people they know aren’t around to witness.  To be honest, that is hypocritical and I can speak to it because I was once there.  Me personally, I can’t afford to take a break when it comes to my God relationship and building the Kingdom.  So instead of indulging in alcohol all day; I made better use of my time.   

I even met some believers who were devout Christians who participated in activities I stayed clear of.  They felt that because they were on vacation, they were going to do what they pleased because they paid to do just that.  But my thing is when does compromising your walk with God and discrediting your witness become fun?  I get it; my nose isn’t turned up and I am intentional about not judging others but why do some believers feel that it’s ok to engage in certain things because no one is watching? I can answer that question also because that was me at some point in my walk.  I was saved to the core but still indulged in activities and behaviors that would have made others question my walk; commit sin or completely turn away from God.  I ignored my accountability partners and did things my own way.  That week in Cancun ignited me to love and live for God even the more.  See, partying and drinking isn’t my definition of fun and I don’t at all miss it at all.  There is no spiritual benefit to that type of life but only flesh gratification. The life I have chosen comes with much sacrifice because I chose obedience and out of obedience, a lot of times I am cast out even by church folks aka carnal Christians. 


downtown Cancun.  It is so beautiful there.

What I found to be true on my journey is when you really make up in your mind to be completely sold out for Jesus; you will become a lone ranger.  Even family and friends will shun you because of your choice.  This is an example of the sacrifice the bible speaks about as a believer.  I made a conscious decision to live for God all the way and for me there wasn’t a point of compromising or turning back. I don’t apologize for being who I am in Christ and I certainly want ask for permission even if it means losing those I love.  I chose righteousness over religion and God over being good.  There were lots of things and people I had to let go and it wasn’t easy.  Even  on vacation; I could’ve engaged into somethings that weren’t necessarily a sin but could have definitely destroy or tarnish my witness.  The only way I am able to stay grounded is by making a choice every day to follow Christ and for my flesh to die. 

our cruise departed and roamed these waters....it was a magnificent night

As for me, there are too many people God has assigned to me for me to be in this thing halfway.  I dare not confuse or corrupt God’s people for the sake of fun.  I know what my assignment aka job is in the Kingdom and I take it serious.  God called me to help rescue the lost and that does include carnal minded Christians.  The same way I take my secular job serious; I do my spiritual job.  The word tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:33 to not be deceived; bad company ruins good morals (ESV).    

Three questions I encourage you to ask yourself anytime you are about to indulge in something and it maybe questionable. 1.  Is this a true representation of me, my true and authentic self? 2.  Is this a true representation of my leaders/ministry and 3. Is this a true representation of Christ? I guarantee is you ask yourself those 3 simple questions; you will choose right even when your flesh wants to choose wrong.  I encourage you to  complete a self-assessment starting today.  As a rescuer; sometimes people don’t understand the magnitude of the problem they have gotten themselves in or the danger they are headed toward, and it is my job to help stare these people back to safety in God.  I know that I won’t reach everyone but Lord knows every opportunity I get; I will share Jesus with the masses.  God didn’t want to just save you; He wanted to rescue you!

If you are at crossroad in your walk and find yourself compromising for the sake of fun but you desperately want your life to represent Christ, please don’t hesitate to email us at jillandtreal@detourmovement.com.  More than giving you information, we are invested in your transformation. We are here to serve you!


Committed to serving you,

Treal of Jill and Treal

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