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April 2009: The Danger of Casualness |
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Matt 8:12--Those who grew up 'in the faith' but had no faith will find themselves out in the cold, outsiders to grace and wondering what happened."
Our society is becoming much more “casual” in its approach to life. Many of the former values that were formerly esteemed have quickly fallen by the wayside. I can so vividly recall, and it seems as though it was not so long ago, a lady would never darken the door of a church wearing pants or a gentleman sporting jeans. Our nation’s “first ladies” were always publicly presented in a coveted dress, and often times accompanied with a hat for more formal occasions. My that has all changed! Not only do you see highly visible females in society with pant suits, but also the church services are filled with ladies, some who seldom ever know what it means to have a free-flowing garment hanging down from their waist.
As stated men too have changed. I never remember wearing anything to church but a suit and tie since being a faithful attendee. But now neckties may still be in the business place for some of the more professional men, but when coming to worship, those same men seem to be very free to remove them from their church wear and simply enjoy Jesus in a more relaxed mode.
The news media recently picked up on President Obama’s casual Friday attire as well as his removal of his jacket while working in the Oval Office, a gesture that was never seen in the Bush era. For “W” every photograph of him working in the Oval Office was taken with full dress attire.
I am afraid this casual mode is spilling way over into our society—job performance, housekeeping, marriage, home training for the little ones, homework, school work, class work, career paths, the list goes on and on. Fervency, passion, commitment, and dedication may just be becoming as obsolete as hats on the heads of the females sitting in the pews.
Have we in our generation lost the sense of danger that casualness can bring? First of all what do we mean when we say “casual?” Casualness simply involves the following elements:
1. Lacking a high degree of interest or devotion
2. Without definite or serious intention
3. Known only superficially
4. Showing or feeling little concern
5. Happening by chance
6. Irregular—occurring without regularity
7. Indifferent to what is happening
8. Careless or offhand
9. Apathetic
10. Having a nonchalant air
These definitions apply as we discuss such topics as “casual relationships”, “casual dating”, “casual dress”, “casual sex”, or friends with benefits, etc. Any where the word “casual” is appropriate to use can present a danger.
Now granted although the term “casual” is not a Bible word, the Scriptures are filled with warnings against its principle. In the parable of the Ten Virgins they were all declared “virgins” but all did not guard their prize possession—oil. The end result of their casual approach to the coming of the Bridegroom was most devastating. The doorway to a life that was to be lived in His presence for all eternity was suddenly closed, and a wonderful relationship with the Bridegroom had abruptly come to a screeching halt.
Or, the servant who treated his gift with complacency found that when the owner appeared to receive not only what He had given him but more, he quickly found himself being labeled as “wicked” and “unprofitable”. The outcome—outer darkness. Do you think that he treated his God-given gift with too much casualness, taking what he had received for granted? I think so.
What about you, my reader? Are you too casual about the things of God—prayer, Word, fellowship? Do you take your gift and gifting with dire seriousness? Or is casual the word that coats it—if it happens, it happens by chance. (And most likely chance does not present very good favorable odds).
No, the Bible teaches us fervency, diligence, prudence, and persistence in our pursuit of Him. Anything less will cause the doors of opportunity to be closed on us, having nothing to present Him at His coming. I challenge you today, my friend, make the necessary sacrifice to purchase oil for your lamp so that it can burn with fire, brightness, lighting the way for others, who you should be salt for, to clearly see.
You must know “casualness” is a danger that you can least afford, and one that Christ will harshly and severely judge. |
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