So, let's assume that people go to church on Easter Sunday and that they say they believe in the resurrection. That is great; but we can't stop there. It is certainly possible for thousands of people to believe in the resurreciton, and yet it makes absolutely no difference in their lives. The Bible is very clear: we cannot just hear what the Bible says; but we must allow it to change us. We must act on its truths:
James 1:22 - "But prove yourselves to be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
Therefore, the question that I think we need to ask of every message, of every passage of Scripture, of every Easter Sunday - SO WHAT?
What difference should it make in our lives, the way we live, that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Yes, there is the obvious answer that we think of first:
Romans 10:9 - "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
It is true - this is a life changing decision: to believe what the Bible says about Jesus, including the fact that He rose from the dead; and to make Jesus the Lord, the master of life - to secure eternal salvation in Heaven some day. There is nothing better than that. But, I am thinking beyond salvation; and especially thinking of those who are Christ followers, but may struggle with allowing the resurrection to have any impact on their lives beyond their salvation decision.
I believe that the resurrection ought to make a difference in our lives, every single day. Let me suggest several ways the resurrection ought to play out in our lives; and challenge you, along with myself, to evaluate whether or not we living out this truth. The following are some of the ways in which the resurrection can change us:
- We live with confidence. We know we are on the "winning side"; and nothing the world says or does can change that.
- We live by faith. It is how we came to eternal life; and it is how we must live on a daily basis. Even when we "cannot see", we believe in God's revealed truth, just as we do in the resurrection over 2,000 years ago.
- We expect to be continually changing. Salvation begins a sanctification process, making us new and more like Christ. If we are not changing, then we are not fulfilling what God has planned for us.
- We understand that the most important thing is that people's lives are being changed by the gospel. We are concerned, as individuals and churches, to do whatever is necessary to present the good news of Jesus Christ to people in our community.
- We are not obsessed with our preferences or personal comfort. None of those traditions that we hold to so dearly were a part of Jesus' heart, when He gave up everything to give His life for us. We model His love and commitment by putting aside all that is dear to us, so others will not have unnecessary obstacles to hearing the truth of the resurrection.
- We worship with an excitement, an anticipation, a great joy, because of the resurrection. We don't understand why anyone would "worship" with a frown, folded arms, or an "I'm so bored" attitude.
- We are not afraid to express our praise and thankfulness of the resurrection, through verbal or bodily action. When people watch us woship, they realize that God has changed us to such an extent that we are not ashamed to let everyone know.
- We sacrifice for the good of the gospel, by our giving, even in times of recession, by our service, when many are selfishly using their gifts and talents only for personal gain, and by our pursuit of the mission God has given us
What difference is the resurrection making in your life today?
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