From Acts 24:25 we read, “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”
CONVENIENT CHRISTIANITY. Have you ever noticed how we manage to find time for the things we really want to do? A man can get up at 5:00 in the morning to go fishing, but somehow getting up at 8:00 to go to church is just too early! We can sit through a three-hour football game, even when it goes into overtime, but get restless if the preacher goes five minutes past time! We’ll drive two hours to eat at a favorite restaurant, but a twenty-minute drive to church seems like a long way. Now, I’m not against fishing, football, or eating out. I enjoy all three! But isn’t it interesting how something becomes an inconvenience when it comes to serving the Lord, yet the very same thing is no inconvenience when it’s something we want to do? I believe one of the greatest challenges facing Christianity today is our willingness to serve the Lord when it isn’t convenient.
THAT WAS FELIX’S PROBLEM. Felix was a Roman governor who listened as the Apostle Paul spoke about righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come. The Bible says Felix trembled! God’s truth had reached his heart. But instead of responding, he said, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” In other words, “Paul, I hear what you’re saying, but right now just isn’t a good time.” What a dangerous decision! The Bible never tells us that Felix found that convenient time. And here’s something worth thinking about. Felix didn’t necessarily reject what Paul said. He just postponed doing anything about it. Sometimes that’s exactly what we do. We don’t say NO to God. We just keep saying NOT NOW!
THE PROBLEM WITH CONVENIENT CHRISTIANITY. I’m thankful for conveniences! But I’ve noticed that the more convenient life becomes, the more we expect everything to be convenient, including our Christianity! We want to serve the Lord, as long as it doesn’t interfere with our plans. We want to give, as long as we have enough left over. We want to pray and read God’s Word, but somehow find time for television, social media, and everything else. We want to share our faith, but only when it’s comfortable. Do you see the problem? We’ve allowed convenience to determine our commitment to Christ. But Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” That doesn’t sound like convenient Christianity to me! ONE OF THE CLEAREST INDICATORS. I believe one place convenient Christianity shows up is in our church attendance. Now, I’m not talking about someone who is sick or dealing with circumstances beyond their control. I’m talking about the attitude that worship is something we do if nothing else comes along. There was a time when Sunday was already settled in the hearts of God’s people. They didn’t wake up wondering whether they were going to church. That decision had already been made! But today, company comes to town, there’s a ballgame, a fishing trip, or something else we’d enjoy, and suddenly church becomes optional. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying life, but when those things regularly take priority over worship, something is wrong with our priorities. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is…” Church attendance isn’t the only measure of our commitment to Christ, but it can certainly reveal our priorities. The place the Lord’s day has in our lives often reveals the priority He has in our hearts.
CONVENIENCE IS A POOR MEASURE OF COMMITMENT. Think about it. Raising a family isn’t always convenient. Being a faithful husband or wife isn’t always convenient. Caring for someone who’s sick or being there for a hurting friend isn’t always convenient. But we do those things because those people matter to us. Love makes sacrifices that convenience never would! And shouldn’t our love for the Lord be even greater? Jesus didn’t go to Calvary because it was convenient. He went because He loved us! He gave His very best for us. Surely we ought to give our very best to Him. SOME THINGS ARE TOO IMPORTANT TO PUT OFF. Salvation is certainly one of them. If you’ve never trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, don’t make the mistake Felix made. Second Corinthians 6:2 says, “…behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Tomorrow is a day we’ve never been promised! And for those of us who know the Lord, there are opportunities to serve Him, encourage someone, forgive someone, and make a difference that may not be there tomorrow. How many blessings have we missed because we were waiting for a more convenient time to obey God? LET ME ASK YOU… Has your Christianity become a matter of convenience or commitment? Is the Lord getting the first and best of your life, or whatever is left after everything else? Maybe there’s something He’s been dealing with you about, but you’ve been putting it off. Remember, delayed obedience is still disobedience. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Notice that little word FIRST! Not when we have nothing else to do. Not when it fits our schedule. FIRST! Friend, the Lord deserves more than convenient Christianity. He deserves our whole hearts and our very best! Don’t give God what’s convenient. Give Him what’s FIRST! Join me in this prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve allowed convenience to take the place of commitment. Help me to put You first, even when it isn’t easy. Give me a willing heart to obey You without delay and serve You with my very best. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Think it over…🙏