Tuesday, May 01, 2007

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED

Ellie, from The Cedar Chest mentioned that she isn't sure what religion I practice.

I don't practice any religion. I am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I go to church. I am a member of the local church body. I serve in my church in what ever capacity God calls me to do.

The following hangs in a frame above my desk. It is one of the first things anyone sees when they enter my office. I don't remember where I got it from, but I do my best to live it every day.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED

I’m a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down or back away. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up or let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.

I AM A DISCIPLE OF JESUS!

I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own He will have no problem recognizing me – my banner will be clear.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I believe I may have read this one before, it sparked something in my memory at least. Anyway, it is a really good way to put it.

I do have to ask...now that the subject is out there...I am guessing you are in a non-denominational church...I mean every church sort of identifies "what" they are, even if they are non-denominational... I guess it really is none of my business either, so you don't have to answer that question....

Great post....This church subject is a "big one" for a lot of people. A really sore subject for some, I noticed.

my4kids said...

I love this! That is how I feel. I don't identify with a single demonitation even though I was raised in one. I guess like Ellie says we lean in the direction of non-denominational churches but to put it I am a Christian a child of God and I have my faith in him.

Dr.John said...

I think this is a great statement of your faith.
I always say that I don't belong to an organized religion. I'm a Lutheran.

EE said...

I want you to know that I struggle with every single one of those things everyday. Slowly, slowly, slowly... God is changing my heart. Wish he'd hurry it up:)
You're a good man!

Real Life in South Carolina said...

I love it. I too don't claim to be religious or tied to a particular denomination. I am just a follower of Christ. :)

Katrina A. said...

Denomination blah!!! I'm not anti-church, but religion is just man's way of trying to make himself righteous and I learned a long time ago that Paul was right....our righteousness is as filthy rags.

Great way of summing up your doctrine..I may have to steal it hehe. Doesn't leave much room for doubt or speculation! My kinda belief system.