What Have You Done for Me Lately?

The other day while sitting in church, my mind began to wander (not paying attention during church! Blasphemy! But wait, the sinning doesn't end there...). You hear all of these messages on how life is so different when you "find Jesus". Songs have lyrics that describe a life of despair and darkness until one decides to believe - "I once was lost but now I'm found". People in jail turning their lives of sin over to God, addicts trust God to release them from their addictions...it can go on and on. I started to think, how is my life so different? I've never commited any crimes (speeding does not count). I have no life-destroying addictions. Life wasn't too shabby before I started to want to know God more and I couldn't see any revolutionary changes happening in my life now. I basically started thinking, "What's in it for me?" In the words of Janet (Miss Jackson if you're nasty) - Jesus? What have you done for me late-ly? (Cue musical interlude...)



Now clearly there is the whole "eternal salvation" thing, which I'm into. I appreciate being saved from the firey pits of Hell as much as the next person.  But like most of Americans I want some immediate gratification! Can I get some blessings served up in here? With a side of that land of milk and honey? (But instead of the milk and honey can I get Dove chocolate and Vanilla Coke?) I'm not all that screwed up - so pour it on Jesus! What are you waiting for?

This past week I've been gently reminded of the things he's already done for me late-ly. My biggest 'ah-ha' moment came while reading the book The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel. Here's what Craig had to say,

To the Christian Atheist, the holy God of the universe is quietly transformed into a cosmic soda machine. If we give enough money, or pray the right prayer, or live the right way, God must deliver and do what we ask.

He later goes on to describe the implications of this 'polluted theology'...

"I tried religion, but it didn't make me happy. I went to church and it didn't make my life any better. God didn't help me have a better life, so either he failed me or he's not real. Either way, I'm not interested."

So basically, it's not all about me. (always a hard lesson to learn!) God is not here to serve me. I am here to serve him. Now I just need to determine how to do that...