The Beat Down, Broke Down Christian

The Beat Down, Broke Down Christian

This morning Joyce Myers was talking about Christians who could not enjoy the life God has blessed them with right now. She talked of people caught up in depression, legalism and other roadblocks to the fullness of life God intended for us. She called these folk beat down, broke down Christians.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (New International Version)
9However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"[

Many people view Christians as sad faced, unhappy folks who never smile and go about telling everyone what they are doing wrong. Many Christians live their lives as if it’s a sin to be happy.

10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.John 10:10 (New International Version)

Since we have the capacity to turn anything into a controversy, the controversy here is whether we are entitled to believe that we can have this life in the full while we are here on earth or must we wait for the promise of life to the full in the “great by and by”.

In the history of Christianity there have been many who propose that a true Christian shows the depth of his faith by the measure of his earthly poverty. Some go so far as to measure this poverty in terms of depravation of even basic comforts.

If one enjoys food, clothing, a nice home or, heaven forbid sex (including with one’s spouse) it is a sign of diminished piety and they have the scriptures to prove their points (of course you must be willing to read out of context with your mind and at least one eye closed.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
4For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.Isaiah 64:4 (King James Version)

So much of the scripture speaks of God’s love of us and His joy in providing for us.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 2)

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.New International Version Psalm 27:14

I believe this is the land of the living; therefore, I expect to see the goodness of the Lord here!

If the world only knew the absolute joy in a life devoted to service of Our Lord, they might beat down our church doors. Perhaps we just aren’t doing a good enough job in service of The Great Commission.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

WE'LL UNDERSTAND IT BETTER BY AND BY
Chorus: By and by, when the morning comes,
when the saints of God are gathered home,
we'll tell the story how we've overcome,
for we'll understand it better by and by.