CHARLES HARRIS: Christianity is more than a religion of convenience

There are convenience stores everywhere you go. Some may not call them that anymore, but they are still convenience stores nonetheless. Think about that name. Why call it that?

The convenience store is a convenient place to stop and get something quick, without having to go out of one’s way or take more time than is absolutely necessary. Here’s the question: Do we treat Christianity like a convenience store? Are we looking for a short-cut, a quick-fix, a bare-minimum, a when-it-is-convenient-for-me religion? Are we willing to be religious only when it fits our schedule and when it’s on our way?

Are you a Christian? How should you treat your relationship with Jesus Christ? How much of a priority should you give to your Christian duties? Being a Christian and being a part of the Christian religion finds its origin and pattern in Christ Himself. Did Jesus only do things when it was convenient? Only when it was a good time? Only when He could cut corners? Think about it.

Jesus served His Father in heaven and His fellow man at all times, and not just when it was convenient. There were times when His alone time got interrupted by the needs of others (Matthew 14:23-25), and sometimes He was on His way to do one thing when someone else needed help. (Luke 8:41-49) Do you serve only when it is convenient? (Galatians 5:13; 6:1-2, 9)

Jesus prayed at all times of the day and night, and not just when it was convenient. He got up a long while before daylight to pray (Mark 1:35), and sometimes, He continued all night in prayer. (Luke 6:12) Do you pray only when it is convenient to you? (Luke 18:1; Col. 4:2)

Jesus loved at all times, and not just when it was convenient. He loved Judas, who was going to betray Him. (John 13:1-5) He loved the rich young ruler, who walked away from Him. (Mark 10:21-22) Do you love only when it is convenient for you? (John 13:34-35; Matthew 5:44-48; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Jesus is at worship all the time, and not just when it is convenient. Every time the church is singing (Hebrews 2:12) and every time the church is partaking of the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:29), Jesus is there. Do you worship only when it is convenient for you? (Hebrews 10:25)

Jesus gave all that He could, and not just what was convenient. He gave His life as a ransom (Matthew 20:28), and offered the sacrifice of Himself to God. (Hebrews 9:26) Do you give only what is convenient for you? (Romans 12:1; Philippians 4:18) Our relationship with Jesus is not a convenience to fit into our lives, but the absolute core around which to fit our lives. A religion of convenience is not the religion of Jesus.