R U a Lone Ranger Christian?

If you are like me, sometimes you just want to be on your own. No one to answer to or for; no place or person that begs you to stop and spend "quality time;" no one to satisfy or apologize to for you actions or lack thereof. To some people, this type of lifestyles sounds almost "heavenly."

But our Heavenly Father never created us to be alone. We just have to look at the creation of Adam, the first man, living in that perfect Garden of Eden, to realize that even God knew that it was not "good for man to be alone"...and so He created Eve....and God has never intended since that time for us to be a "Lone Ranger."

Unfortunately, that is the way a growing number of those who call themselves "believers" or "followers" of Christ are living their lives...separated from the fold, the community of worshippers and trying to make life work out on their terms without the help, hope or encouragement of fellow believers...THIS IS NOT WHAT GOD WANTS FOR HIS CHILDREN!

In fact, the writer of Hebrews tells us how it out to be in the 10th chapter, verse 24-25 when he says, " And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Bad days are coming...or they may already be upon us as Christians as our world becomes increasingly hostile to our faith and our stand on moral issues....NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO STAND ALONE...RATHER IT IS A TIME TO COME TOGETHER WITH A UNITED FRONT...to be ready to share our faith ; tell of God's incredible love and forgiveness; and be a source of encouragement to each other.

It always amazes me of the number of people that come into the church, profess their faith in Jesus Christ and then just disappear like steam from a boiling kettle...where did they go? Did they really not commit themselves to the Savior...or are they just being foolish to believe they can make it in this world, living out their faith all on their own?

Don't kid yourselves into believing that you can be the exception...THE LONE RANGER for GOD...even the Lone Ranger had a trusty sidekick by the name of Tonto who was always beside the masked man, watching his back and keeping him moving forward, free from the snares and entanglements of his foes...and each of us need the same.

Now the Holy Spirit is our Tonto; however, we need all the other "Tontos" that the Holy Spirit may place in our path to be our confidant, encourager and often our spiritual advisor or sounding board as we live among those who do not share our beliefs or our core values as believers...and where can you find such people...in the body of believers that Christ called, His Church.

So don't forsake those folks...the ones that shook your hand when you walked the aisle and joined the church; rather, throw in with them and see what wonderful and marvelous things the Lord will accomplish in and through you as you become an integral part of the body of Christ...stop living like the Lone Ranger and become all that God wants you to be as you give unselfishly to the work of the Kingdom as you join forces with God's people...called out to reach out to be sold out for the one who gave His all for you and me.

Living in community ...forsaking the Silver Bullet,

WPQ