What is Practical Christianity?

Have you ever encountered a grouchy Christian? Has a "righteous" believer ever pointed an accusing finger at you while you suppress a giggle because they didn't realize that the rest of their fingers are pointing back at them?

People like that may actually be Christians but only God knows for sure. If they are, they certainly aren't winning friends, influencing people, or furthering God's kingdom.

Practical Christianity is a living, loving, and laughing example of God's presence in the lives of His children. When we allow God to be a practical presence in our lives, we likewise become a practical presence in the lives of others.

Paul, the writer of most of the New Testament, started out as a grouchy, finger-pointing (maybe finger-smashing is more accurate) Pharisee. He thought he was on God's team, but quite the opposite. He was on a spritiually perverted team called "Practical Persecution" and he was one mean dude.

Acts 8 tells us that Paul, known as Saul at the time, "began ravaging the church, entering house after house; dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison." Paul had a negative and often devestating impact on the lives of others. But, the church wasn't going away. It kept growing and little did Paul know that God had great plans for him.

Paul was converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9) and the rest is, as they say, history. He was transformed and the world was never the same. Even today Christians everywhere are encouraged and educated by Paul's words. He is still a practical presence in people's lives.

All of us, like Paul, have been transformed by the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we allow  Jesus to be a practical presence in our lives we are given the opportunity to become a practical presence in the lives of others. Thus, practical Christianity is born.

I hope you are ready to explore the many places where "Practical Christianity" will pop up. I see it everywhere; in an extended hand, a goofy jig in the kitchen, and even in youth sports. Join me starting on Friday, July 18 and every week thereafter, to discover the practicality of Christianity in everyday life.

Comments

[Kelley]

Great introductory column, Shona. Paul is the perfect example. I know a light went on for me about the magnitude of the truth when I really understood the power of Paul's conversion by putting myself in his shoes on that road to Damascus. :)