lifewithomg

Okay, I’ll admit it. I’ve cheated before. In elementary school, occasionally I’d try to look at my neighbors spelling words, only to find out they were just as clueless as I was. I’ve tried dieting, but the sudden urge for a sweet, cold ice cream cone always trumps carrots on a hot summer day. I break promises to myself to save my money for the more valuable, important things in life and I decide to go shopping instead. (It’s hard to resist a shirt that’s only $3.99!) Matters got worse when I started high school. Everyone expects a lot out of you and if you’re not prepared, you can quickly make a decline for the inevitable: failure. Because status was more important than my education (I know, right?), I couldn’t be known as “the slow one” or even the “uncool teacher’s pet.” No, I have to do whatever’s necessary to be even considered alright. Morals aside, I didn’t mind turning my head as my “friends” copied down my answers to the homework. Pretty soon I found it was acceptable to take a quick peek at their answers as well. I shamefully admit that you could describe a large portion of my high school experience with this video:

When it should’ve been something more like this:

All joking aside, I didn’t realize how this method would effect me until it was too late. (You were right, Mom.) It’s been several years later and I struggle with some of the most basic things that should now come naturally to me. No one asked me what I was learning, they only asked how my grades were and if I had any late assignments. Technically, I wasn’t lying because my grades were fine and my “friends” had the homework part handled. It’s easy to glide through life knowing that everything will be handed to you.

You may have cheated before in your lifetime. It could’ve been something as small as eating a cheeseburger on a strict diet, or being unfaithful to your significant other. Everyone has cheated at least once. But the worst of them all? Cheating God.

Cheating on God is not something I’d love to admit, but I’m as guilty as the next. I struggle with taking time out of my busy schedule to just simply sit down and read the Bible. You may say you love God, you may even say you have a relationship, but if you’re not putting in any effort, you will glide through life and in the blink of an eye you will die a waste. God created us because he loves us! Jesus DIED on a cross because he loves you! How would it make you feel if you were stabbed saving someone you’ve never met before’s life, and in return, they disown you and refuse to acknowledge the credit that you so well deserve? Then, as time moves on, you just want to call them to see how they’ve been doing, knowing good and well they don’t deserve it. Still no reply. But, if anyone were to ask them how you’re doing, they’d just lie and tell a marvelous story of how you saved the day and that you two were the best of friends. If this isn’t how some Christians act today with Christ…

I absolutely love talking to God. He’s my best friend! He’s the only one that I know I can trust 100% with everything that life throws at me and the only one I can share my most inner thoughts with at 2AM. I love Him with all my heart. All of this means little to nothing if my relationship isn’t growing. No one likes a one-sided conversation; you shouldn’t do all of the talking. How about you just stop and listen for a change? His presence is most felt when you’re heart is still and your spirit is calm.  Reading your Bible is the key to success. It gives you the strength that you need if you’re ever going to survive in this corrupt, unjust world. A relationship is like homework. At times it can be easy, even fun! But, if you’re not putting in the required work yourself, then in time you will fail.

Whether we believe it or not, these days are numbered. We can’t keep cheating our way through life. There will come a time when your faith will be tested, and you won’t be able to look to your neighbor for help. A Christian without Christ is just Ian, and he can’t help you. No, you have to be ready for the future. We were called to speak the word of God to those who don’t know about His unfailing love. How can you be the leader God has called you to be, if you’re sitting down waiting for someone to do it for you?

Working hard for an A+ from God,

OMG