There has been a growing problem with American Christianity starting 200 years ago as America grew more prosperous. The problem is that many Christians have increasingly sought a transactional relationship with God rather than delighting in God. Transactional Relationship
Commitments | Expectations |
I said the right words about becoming a Christian | Guaranteed eternal life in heaven. |
My choice to accept Jesus as my savior | There is not a whole lot else that I have to do |
I go to church regularly | I will become a good happy person like the other people who are in church. |
Try to follow all the ‘rules’ of the Christian life | A life that is better than non-Christians’ lives |
Make some sacrifices in my life because of my belief in God | God is going to protect me from bad circumstances |
I make Jesus my savior | I won’t have to struggle with evil tendencies in myself |
Delighting in God
Commitments | Expectations |
Put God at the center of life. Make God not just my savior, but the actual Lord of my life | Grow in my love with God and for others |
Seek an active, growing relationship with Jesus | See more 'fruit of the spirit' in my life |
Study scripture deeply, talk to God often, fellowship with fellow Christians, and show his love for others | Get to know God better and his voice and will separate from my own thinking. |
The more difficult the circumstances, the more I need to seek a closer relationship with God | More comfort and contentment from a relationship above circumstances |
Do these things | Have more delight in God through the rest of my life |
- Mark
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