A Vanilla Christian

Today, our group went to H2O for church. It's a small church in downtown Orlando that meets in what once was a cowboy bar named 8 seconds. Let me tell you, the truth is preached very well there in a deep and real way to the audience of mostly 20 and 30 year olds.

The pastor today came up with the phrase "Vanilla Christianity" for believers who have a boring and uneventful walk with God. Too often it seems we fall into this view of Christianity. We put God in a box and live in our comfort zones in ease. THAT IS NOT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH OF THE BIBLE. Did Abraham live in his comfort zone when he is asked to sacrifice Isaac? Does Moses put God in a box and act like nothing will happen when he stretches out his hand to split the Red Sea? Did Peter step out of the boat and expect to sink immediately when Jesus called him out on the water? Did Paul expect to travel and spread the Gospel with no persecution?

Faith is real and it takes big action. Our God works out of the box we put him in. He shows Himself time and time again as the one who comes through for us in difficult situations. He enjoys putting us in situations where only He can come through. All we are asked to do is to step out and have faith in where He is leading us. We grasp His hand on the path because that is all we can do. That is where He wants our hearts...to rely fully on Him.

I never want to have "Vanilla Christianity." I want my walk with the Lord to be the adventure He has planned out for me. I want the depth of my relationship with Him to have many flavors and be rich in exciting experiences. I want Him to teach me daily about Himself in deep and personal ways. I want to live with my heart fully open to Him. It's the only way to really live this life...