Faith Beyond the Pew
Some people believe that Christianity is simply about attending church on Sunday, but walking with Christ is an everyday journey. Are you merely warming a seat in church, or are you truly living out your faith in every part of your life? Church is essential—it equips us for the journey—but it’s just the starting point. True Christianity is about surrendering to Christ daily and walking with Him beyond the walls of the church. As someone who deeply believes in the importance of the local church, I want to stress that church is vital to our spiritual growth, but it cannot replace the intimate, daily relationship we are called to have with Christ.
1. The Church is the Launchpad, Not the Destination
While church is crucial for equipping believers with teaching, encouragement, and the support of a community, it’s just the beginning. The real challenge begins when you leave the church building. The pastor can lead, teach, and shepherd, but ultimately, no one can walk your faith journey for you. It is up to you to follow Christ and live out the faith every day. Church provides the foundation, but walking with Christ is about how we live our lives in the world.
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to gather together as a community, but it also challenges us to take that encouragement into our daily lives. “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” Church is essential, but the challenge is to live what you hear each Sunday throughout the week. How does your faith influence the way you interact with your family, your colleagues, and even strangers?
Being actively involved in church goes beyond attending services on Sunday—it’s about being a part of a community that encourages your growth and strengthens your walk with Christ. Join a small group, serve in ministry, or even volunteer with a local outreach. These are all opportunities to walk out your faith beyond the service itself and engage in the daily work of following Christ.
2. Don’t Settle for Lukewarm Faith
God does not want us to live lukewarm lives, where we are only Christians when it’s convenient. Walking with Christ requires a whole-hearted commitment, not just a Sunday ritual. A lukewarm faith is not the kind of relationship God calls us to, and in Revelation 3:16, He makes it clear how He feels about lukewarmness: “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” A lukewarm Christian shows no true commitment, no fervor, and no real change.
If your faith is just something you pick up on Sunday, it’s time to ask yourself if you’re truly living for Christ. Walking with Christ means that His love flows through us daily, in everything we do. Faith isn’t just an event—it’s a journey, and a continuous one at that. If you only practice your faith in church, you are missing the essence of what it means to walk with Christ daily.
As a believer in the local church, I want to make it clear that church is a powerful source of encouragement, but it must not become a place where we just “check in” once a week and leave the rest of our faith untouched. The relationship with Christ needs to be alive and growing daily, in your interactions, in your decisions, and in your love for others.
3. Your Life Reflects Christ’s Love
Walking with Christ means reflecting His love in everything you do, especially in your relationships. In John 13:35, Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The love of Christ should be evident in the way we treat others, especially our families. Our relationships are a direct reflection of how closely we follow Him.
When people see you, do they see Christ’s love in you? This is especially true in how we treat our spouses and children. Are you showing your spouse the love Christ showed the church—sacrificial, patient, kind? How do you treat your spouse when no one is watching? Your actions at home speak volumes about your relationship with Christ. Do you reflect His love through patience, respect, and grace?
This principle extends to how you interact with your children. In a world where parents are often distracted, it’s easy to forget the power of the time spent with your kids. It’s not just about quality time but quantity time as well. Your children need to know that they are loved, that you are proud of them, and that you are helping them recognize their God-given talents. If you aren’t there for them, someone else will step in, and it might not be the godly influence you’d hope for.
Sometimes we underestimate the significance of the small moments. It’s easy to think that spending an hour here or there with your children or spouse is enough. But you must make room for more than just the “quality time.” You need quantity time—time to listen, share, and guide them. This is the time that shapes their hearts, and it’s the time that reflects Christ’s love to them.
4. Growing Closer to Christ Every Day
Walking with Christ isn’t just about checking off religious activities; it’s about growing closer to Him every day. Spiritual growth happens in the small, daily moments—through prayer, reading Scripture, and seeking God’s guidance. This is a process, and it’s one that continues throughout your entire life. In 2 Peter 3:18, we are encouraged to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
When you walk with Christ every day, sin loses its appeal. Does that mean you will never sin again? Of course not. But the more you grow in your relationship with Christ, the more His heart becomes your heart. The goal is not perfection but progress. Every day, strive to be more like Christ, to reflect His love more clearly, and to grow closer to Him. Spiritual growth isn’t just a yearly goal; it’s a daily choice. At the end of each day, ask yourself if you’re closer to Christ today than you were yesterday. If you can say yes, you’re moving in the right direction.
Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Every day is an opportunity to renew your mind in Christ, to make choices that reflect His will, and to be transformed by His love.
5. Practical Steps to Walk Daily with Christ
Walking with Christ is about making intentional choices every day. Here are a few practical steps you can take to grow in your faith:
- Start Each Day with God: Begin your day with prayer, thanking God for the day ahead and asking for His guidance. Even five minutes in the morning can set the tone for your entire day.
- Read Scripture Daily: Let God’s Word transform you. Spend time in the Bible each day to grow in knowledge and understanding. Even if it’s just a verse or two, let it sink deep into your heart.
- Serve Others: Look for opportunities to reflect Christ’s love through acts of service in your community. It doesn’t always have to be grand—small acts of kindness can have a powerful impact.
- Stay Connected to Church: Make church attendance a priority. It’s vital for spiritual nourishment, community, and encouragement. But go beyond just attending—get involved in the life of the church and grow alongside others.
- Seek Accountability: Surround yourself with other believers who will challenge and support your faith. Whether in a small group or a mentor-mentee relationship, these connections are critical for spiritual growth.
By making these practices a regular part of your life, you’re investing in your spiritual growth and ensuring that your walk with Christ is real and transformative.
Conclusion: Faith That Moves Beyond Sunday
The local church is critical to our spiritual lives, but it is just the starting point. Walking with Christ requires a daily commitment to live out His love, reflect His character, and grow in faith. This journey doesn’t end at the church doors—it continues every day, in every relationship, in every action, and in every decision.
A Prayer for Daily Surrender
Lord, thank You for the church and the community it provides. Help me not to settle for a lukewarm faith but to seek You daily. Guide me in reflecting Your love in all areas of my life. Help me to grow closer to You each day and to walk in Your ways. I pray that my life would reflect Your goodness, and that one day, I would hear the words, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
Reflection Challenge
This week, take one intentional step to live out your faith beyond Sunday. Whether it’s prioritizing time with your spouse, investing in your children, or committing to a daily Bible reading plan, let your actions reflect the love and grace of Christ.
Living a God-Inspired Life,
Chris