We’ve all heard the term “Sunday morning Christian,” and we know it refers to the people who show up on Sunday morning, go through the motions of worship, and then you don’t see them, or hear from them again, until the next Sunday. They are not involved in any aspect of serving. They show up and take their seat. A “Monday morning Christian” is much like the Sunday morning Christian, except they are present for all the services, sometimes they teach a class, sing in the choir, and are active in the big events.
The problem with the Monday morning Christians is the day-to-day life they lead. Come Monday morning, they go back to the way things were the weekdays before. Back in the routine, and going through the motions. Some while reading this may be thinking there’s nothing wrong with that. They have fulfilled their duties, and are content with their spiritual life.
Being a Christian is not about duty. Don’t get me wrong, over and over in scripture we are commanded to do certain things, such as study the word in II Timothy 2:15. In I Thessalonians 5:17, we are instructed to pray without ceasing, and James 2:17 tells us faith without works is dead. However, no matter how much we do for the Lord, it is to be out of love for Him and for others. It should come from a sense of gratitude for all He has done for us, not because it’s our duty.
So, how does the Sunday worship service change you? Do you listen and resolve to do what is being taught, or do you take the attitude “that’s the preacher’s opinion?” So many get an emotional feeling during the music and then turn off during the preaching, but it is the Word that is powerful and will change us.
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
We are to be constantly changing for the glory of God. It is through renewing our minds that we become more like Jesus. In Romans 12:2, we are told to renew the mind. This renewing is not mere outward conformity. This renewing must have its seat in the soul, then the outward will follow what the soul dictates. Every service should stir something within us that lasts longer than Sunday. Our goal in life is to change daily, to do all the glory of God.
I Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
If we are seeking to be conformed to Christ, others will notice a difference. There may not be a huge change in what you do outwardly. Your duties may be in check, but your attitude will be different. People will notice the love you have for others. Your conversation and concern for others will be noticed.
In Psalm 119, we see a deep, unshakable resolve to seek out God’s commands and do them, but the author is seeking, because of His deep love for the Savior. This is not to say he expects to be sinless, because he talks about how to avoid sin in verse 11. However, the author’s goal is to seek to change and be more like Christ each day.
Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”
Let those of us who claim the name of Christ allow Sunday morning to change our Monday morning. Let God’s word be sharp enough in our lives to cut away the fluff and expose our sins. Let the study and prayer of our lives be so strong that others want to know what has happened to us. We are the testimony of Christ here on this earth. If our Monday is no different than anyone else, others will see no need for our God. Our faith needs to be alive and well 24/7. It needs to be changing daily to represent Him to influence others and to strengthen us.
When we fail, and we will, God has made provision for our sins. In I John 1:9, He gives instructions on how to be in sweet fellowship with Him again. We confess, which means to agree with Him about our sins. Then, we need to repent of our sins. To repent, we turn away from our sin with the intent never to do it again. If our sin has been outward, we need to go to those who knew about our sin, confess to them, and ask them to forgive us.
Let me give you an example. Things are very hectic and stressful at work. You blow up and show your frustrations to those you work with. Some of them are lost and see nothing wrong with what you did. However, you know those actions were not like Christ. You ask God to forgive you and help you, then you need to ask your coworkers to forgive you. Tell them you were wrong, and you should not have reacted that way, that a Christian should be controlled by the Spirit, not the flesh. You may feel you can’t do that, but I can assure you it is the right process, and it will help you not to do it again. You can’t imagine the impact you will have on others when they see you changing right before their eyes.
I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Don’t try to ignore your sin or cover it up. Don’t brush it off as “everybody does it,” these attitudes will only hurt your walk with the Lord. Churches are full of people who are satisfied to be nominal Christians. Don’t allow your walk with the Lord to be a “go through the motions” life. Determine today you will be a 24/7 Christian that will make an impact for the cause of Christ.
Proverbs 28:13 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
