Quit putting God in the box

Each Sunday morning Christians gather in church buildings all over the UK. Unfortunately it would seem for their spiritual fix for the week or at least till Wednesday when they visit a smaller box called a housegroup for an extra jab.

This is not an appeal to do away with these gatherings. I love them. I love worshipping and fellowshiping with other believers. I love the teaching of God's word. But too many of us forget to take God out of the box with us into our every day life.

Here are some questions I ask myself about my spiritual activity outside of a Sunday or Small Group Service to ensure I haven't boxed God in:

• Have I read God's Word today
• Have I spent time talking to him today
• Have I spent time listening to him
• When was the last time remembered Jesus in the act of communion with another believer?
• When was the last time I laid hands on someone to pray for their healing? (after asking permission:))
• When was the last time I heard God prompting me?
• When was the last time I told someone about Jesus who wasn't a Christian?
• When did I give away something I own to bless someone else?
• When did I last study God's Word?
• When did I last invite someone for a mean or coffee and encourage them?
• What is God teaching me today?
• Who was that last person I cared for in an act of kindness?
• When was the last time I asked God for wisdom when faced with a difficult situation at work?
• When was that last time I sat and talked with another believer about Jesus?

If the answer to most is so long ago I can't remember then maybe its time to let God out of the box.

Yes we can do any or all of these when we meet in our church events whatever shape they take. The problem is not with the event. The problem is that God is boxed and marginalised.