Is it Christian, or Convenient?

Back in the 70’s, Memorex launched a series of commercials where Ella Fitzgerald would sing a note that would shatter a glass while recording it on a Memorex tape. They would then play the tape and it would likewise shatter the glass, and then they would ask, “Is it live, or is it Memorex.”

When Jeroboam took over as King of the 10 northern tribes of Israel, he realized that if something wasn’t done soon about the people’s worship of God, their hearts would be drawn back to the Temple and King Rehoboam.

Jeroboam therefore instituted a new form of worship saying, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt.” (1 Kings 12:28)

This brings up the question; “Is our obedience to God more out of love and devotion, or is it more out of convenience?”

We live in a world hell bent on making life as convenient as possible. HGTV gives away a “smart house.” It’s where just about everything can be done from the IPhone or IPad. I’m waiting for the apps that will cook my meals and do my work.

It is all about convenience. Now, I’m not against convenience, I like a TV remote, but the problem is that it’s creeping into our spiritual lives as well, especially when it comes to church.
• Is the church convenient to get too?
• Are the services at a convenient time?
• Do they have what I need to make my experience more enjoyable?

The way Christians look at and live their lives makes me wonder if Jesus left something out when He said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

Shouldn’t Jesus had said, “When it’s convenient to do so.”

Do we follow God then more out of convenience or out of love and devotion?