You are a chosen people, set aside to be a royal order of priests, a holy nation, God’s own; so that you may proclaim the wondrous acts of the One who called you out of inky darkness into shimmering light.

1 Peter 2:9 (Voice)

The culture of Consumer Christianity keeps many believers from identifying and connecting with their life’s purpose and vocation. They have been so well-fed and so well-domesticated by a distorted gospel that they are almost indistinguishable from the culture of consumerism around them. This has caused them to remain in the "safe zones" of their faith, thus denying them the opportunity to unleash their true potential for the Kingdom of God.

We are called to be different and to make a difference.

The Apostle Peter describes how we have been chosen by God for a critical role in His kingdom. This call is best expressed through our vocation. Whether we work in an office or at home, our vocation gives us many opportunities to flavour the world with our faith. But when the culture of our church is not aligned with the culture of God’s kingdom, we are hindered from expressing and becoming who we are in Christ. This keeps us from following our God-given vocation that ignites our passion and propels us towards a purposeful life.

It’s no surprise, then, that many Christians who grew up with a consumerist faith continue to be superficial in their beliefs and fail to develop a deeper understanding of the kingdom of God. Over time, entire communities of believers forget that they were meant to be more than sheep, but to be sheep on fire for the glory of Christ.

Jesus never lowered the bar of discipleship. We thought He did. Throughout the four gospels, Jesus taught us one thing: receiving Him is a free gift but following Him is costly. Your life in Christ is not about living life at your comfort level, but learning to do good for God’s glory. Only then will you find true happiness and contentment.