File: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread/db940806.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                           Saturday, August 6, 1994
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READ:  Mark 8:34-38

                       CAFETERIA CHRISTIANITY

         Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny
         himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

                               Mark 8:34

In his book "Thinking in the Future Tense", Edward B. Lindaman refers to 
"the cafeteria culture of our age."  It's the tendency to shy away from 
life's unpleasant disciplines and seek only what brings immediate 
pleasure.

Christians are not exempt from this tendency.  Some persuasive preachers
promote an "abundant life" of success and prosperity through positive
thinking, more faith, or giving money to get God's blessing in return.

The Bible, of course, teaches us to think positively (Phil. 4:8) and to 
give liberally (2 Cor. 8:2).  But much "prosperity preaching" lacks the 
nourishing truths of Christ's sacrifice for sin and His demand for godly 
living.  Our God is not only loving, good, and generous; He is also 
righteous, holy, and demanding.  He hates sin and will not compromise 
with evil.

It's wonderful to hear about the blessing Christ offers, but we also 
need to experience repentance and self-denial.  The picking and choosing 
of a cafeteria-style Christianity is no substitute for a well-rounded 
diet, which includes the tough truths of taking up Christ's cross and 
following Him (Mark 8:34).  That kind of nourishment stimulates the 
growth of spiritual muscle and Christlike character.  And I need all of 
that I can get, don't you?

                            - DJD

   From subtle love of softening things,
      From easy choices, weakenings;
      Not thus are spirits fortified,
      Not this way went the Crucified.

                            -Carmichael

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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To be conformed to Christ, let God's spirit form Christ in you.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Jeremiah 3-5


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