Casual Christianity...down with it!  We need zeal, the kind of zeal that is guided by knowledge (the Word), grounded in solid doctrine.  Christianity with no zeal becomes very casual, very shallow.  Zeal does not mean we are called to be weirdos. But we are to live our faith with passion.  This week’s devo lists some trademarks of casual Christianity.  Don’t be casual, get zealed up!

Meditate Daily on Romans 12:11

Monday:  Casual Christians know a lot about the Bible but do not apply all they know.  Gotta get what’s in your head to your heart.  It’s from the heart that you live.  Head knowledge doesn’t mean a whole lot.  Action does.  How much of what you know are you actually living?  Don’t just know it, live it!  Ephesians 5:8,9

Tuesday:  Casual Christians count church, reading their Bible, prayer, and the guidelines of God as chores.  And no one wants to do chores!  You should want truth in such a way, you should want to become what God intends for you in such a way, that you desire to do things that continually connect you to Him.  Turn the chore mentality to the want and need mentality.  Become addicted to Godly things!  Psalm 51:6

Wednesday:  Casual Christians do not spur their faith on by challenging themselves to grow, but are satisfied with the status quo.  Salvation is just the start.  No you have to work out your salvation.  You need to be progressing, sometimes it seems slow, but sometimes moves at a quickened pace.  No matter where you are at, spur yourself on in your faith.  Keep striving forward and doing what it takes to keep moving!   Philippians 3:12-14

Thursday:  Causal Christians are easily shaken by the “storms” of life.  There is no strong root or foundation to their faith.  When you are growing in God, your roots and foundation are strong.  When the storm comes, since you are built on the rock, you are able to weather it.  Your response will not be fear or overwhelming anxiety, but a peace because you know God is in control and is working on your behalf -even if you do not see it.  Colossians 2:6,7

Friday:  Casual Christians do not live their faith subjectively.  It is not permeating every part of their life.  They are not making decisions each day to get God in the middle of everything in their life.  Each day you must consciously put God into the things in your life.  By prayer, God’s Word, and new ways of thinking about things and approaching situations, get God in the middle of your everyday life and every part of your being.  You will be shaken out of casual Christianity into living faith.  Psalm 143:10

Saturday:  Casual Christians generally do not play their part in the body of Christ.  Whether it is serving in the local church or doing what we are all called to do, love your neighbor as yourself and take the gospel to the world, the casual Christian is not doing their part.  We are all members of the body, designated with a part to play.  When you live your faith with zeal you will be looking for ways to serve and do what you are supposed you do.  Get serving!   1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Sunday:  Casual Christians do not have much to share about their faith.  They only have “the Bible says”.  But they don’t have real evidence of what happens in their own life because of what the Bible says.   Your life should be a testimony to what God can do.  It should be the Word becoming alive.  Someone should be able to see your life and see God....  1 Peter 3:15