The Unglamorous Christian Life
Bob Yandian
Introduction
The Christian life is often associated with moments of profound joy and excitement, especially in the beginning. When you first receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit feels so close, and every experience in faith seems electrifying. However, as time goes on, the routines of daily life set in—making breakfast, taking kids to school, going to work—and many believers begin to wonder where the initial glamour of their faith has gone.
This transition is not a sign of spiritual decline but rather an opportunity to mature in faith. True Christianity is not just about mountaintop experiences but about walking daily in trust and obedience to God. This teaching will explore how to maintain joy and spiritual vitality in the midst of routine and the often-overlooked aspects of the Christian walk.
The Daily Christian Walk
Paul addresses this issue directly in 2 Thessalonians 3, where he discusses the practical aspects of Christian living. His letters often transition from deep theological truths to everyday application, demonstrating that faith is meant to be lived out in the ordinary moments of life.
The Thessalonian church had experienced excitement when they first received the gospel. Paul and his team performed miracles, and the power of God was evident. But when Paul left, the believers had to continue without the constant presence of an apostle. This shift led some to wonder, “Where is the excitement we once had?”
Paul reminds them that feelings come and go, but faith is built on a steady, daily commitment to God’s Word and His presence. Christianity is not just about supernatural experiences but also about being faithful in daily responsibilities while maintaining spiritual growth.
Finding Joy in the Routine
The key to maintaining joy in the Christian life is recognizing that God is with us in the ordinary. Many believers think of Christianity as an emotional high, but true faith is deeper than feelings. 2 Thessalonians 3:4-13 teaches us how to remain faithful and find purpose in the everyday.
Commit to a Steady Pace
The Christian life is not a sprint; it is a marathon. The tortoise, not the hare, wins the race. Progress often happens gradually, and faith is strengthened through consistency rather than sporadic bursts of enthusiasm.
Prioritize Daily Fellowship with God
Develop a habit of prayer, Bible study, and worship in your daily life. These spiritual disciplines replace emotional excitement with a firm foundation of faith.
Recognize the Presence of the Holy Spirit
Just because you don’t feel God’s presence as intensely as before doesn’t mean He isn’t with you. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would dwell in us permanently (John 14:16).
Serve Others Faithfully
Whether you are a parent, employee, student, or minister, view your responsibilities as a way to glorify God. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Spiritual Complacency
Some believers, instead of embracing the daily Christian walk, fall into the trap of laziness and neglect their responsibilities. Paul warns against this in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, where he addresses those who refuse to work and instead live as “busybodies.”
Faith in God is not an excuse for idleness. Some Thessalonians had quit their jobs, expecting Jesus to return imminently. Paul corrects this attitude by stating, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thess. 3:10).
Work is part of God’s design. Adam was given work before sin entered the world (Genesis 2:15). Our jobs and responsibilities are not punishments but opportunities to serve God and others.
Avoid distractions and unnecessary drama. Those who do not stay engaged in their calling often become preoccupied with the affairs of others. Paul warns against becoming a “busybody,” meddling in the lives of others instead of fulfilling personal responsibilities.
The Importance of Separation and Fellowship
In addition to maintaining discipline in work and service, believers must be mindful of their associations. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to withdraw from disorderly believers (2 Thess. 3:6).
Not all Christians walk in obedience. Some profess faith but live in ways that contradict the teachings of Scripture. While we should love all believers, we must be cautious about forming close relationships with those who persistently live in disobedience.
Separation is sometimes necessary. This doesn’t mean cutting people off entirely but limiting deep fellowship with those who are rebellious against God’s commands.
Encourage repentance, but maintain boundaries. If a brother or sister in Christ repents, they should be welcomed back with love (Galatians 6:1). However, we should avoid enabling sinful behavior.
Encouragement for the Weary
In 2 Thessalonians 3:13, Paul gives a simple but powerful exhortation: “Do not grow weary in doing good.”
Weariness can come from routine. Even good things can feel tiring if we lose sight of their purpose.
Spiritual renewal comes from God. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
The reward of faithfulness is eternal. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Conclusion
The Christian life is not always glamorous, but it is always meaningful. Faithfulness in the ordinary leads to extraordinary spiritual growth. Instead of chasing emotional highs, believers are called to develop a steady, unwavering commitment to God.
If you find yourself struggling with routine, remember:
God is with you in the mundane.
The Holy Spirit is your source of strength.
Your faithfulness will produce lasting fruit.
Continue steadfastly, knowing that one day you will hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
