Quiet quitting refers to doing the minimum requirements of one’s job and putting in no more time, effort, or enthusiasm than is absolutely necessary. The employee doesn’t actually quit and still collects their salary.
I wonder if this is true as well when it comes to our faith. Do we put in just what is required to be called a Christian? Do we attend church and pray every now and then, yet consider ourselves true Christians?
I know I am different than many people because I read or study something about Christianity every day. I set aside at least one hour to watch a sermon, read the Bible, or research something I don’t understand about Christianity. Honestly, I could spend all day studying and still not scratch the surface of what I need to know.
I am surprised that 8 out of 10 people I ask the question, “How often do you read the Bible? The response is, “A few times a year,” or “Not at all.” I know the Bible can be difficult to understand, especially the King James version with all the “thees” and “thous.” I think people forget many versions of the Bible are easier to read. I have recommended many times that people start with a daily devotional that will give a Bible scripture and narrative of how to apply the Scripture to one’s life. It’s much easier and palatable to do one verse at a time. This is an example of the easiness of reading a devotional tied to a Bible verse.
Matthew 4:4 ESV But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
People often tell me, “I don’t have good reading comprehension, so I just can’t read and focus on what I am reading.” That’s fine; many videos are out there to help us visual learners. I first started out watching short sermons. I would pick a topic or book in the Bible, maybe James. I would look up sermons that were around 30 minutes in the book of James and watch one a day. I have journals I would take notes in. I am one of those people that can forget something quickly after learning it if I don’t write it down. I would watch a different pastor for 3-4 days speaking on the same passages in James. This simple practice helped me better understand the meaning and theology of the Bible. I would put a Bible chapter tab at the beginning of my notes, in this case, a tab that says James, so I could easily find my notes.
2 Timothy 3:15 ESV And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Over the past four and a half years, I have compiled about ten journals with my notes in them. I love it because I teach many classes and have my own references.
I have another way of learning that help me learn verse by verse: watching Pastor Gary Hamrick of Cornerstone Chapel. He has put together a complete teaching library on the Cornerstone Chapel website that teaches each book of the Bible verse by verse. Go to http://www.cornerstonechapel.net and click on TEACHINGS.
Romans 10:17 ESV
So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.
Something new I started this year was to have a faith partner. I bought two writing journals that were handcrafted in India and were offered through a fairtrade company. These journals were very unique, and there were carvings in the leather. They also have a long tie to wrap around to close the journal.
I gave one of the journals to my good friend, Tunya, who wanted to take this journey with me. She would write in her journal, and I would write in mine. We would trade the journals weekly and read the other person’s writing. The only stipulations were we had to do this for one full year and write about an experience or time in each day when we felt God’s presence. It could be a Bible verse we read and expanded our thoughts on it or possibly a random act of kindness we witnessed. This was a growth opportunity for each of us in our faith. We would be bearing our hearts and our relationship with God to another person. This will draw us together as friends and closer to God.
The last thing I personally do is every day, I try to expand my prayer life. For years I have set my alarm to wake me at 5:30 am just so I can lay in bed and pray. I always say, “Good morning, Father. Good morning, Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Good morning, Holy Spirit.” and begin my conversation and prayers. I always start my day in gratitude, thanking God for the opportunities He will present to me that day. Gratitude changes my prayers and my heart.
I often feel that I may be starting to “quiet quit” my faith. I may skip church. I may not pick up my Bible for a few days. I may speed through my prayers instead of breathing and reflecting on what I need to pray about. I don’t want to just do what I need to and just get by in my faith. I want to exude God’s love when others see me. I want people to say they want to know the blessing of having the Holy Spirit within them like I do.
If we all would make one extra effort to be a better Christian, I feel the world would be a much better place. Are you “quiet quitting” on God? I pray not. My love and gratitude-LoLo
gratefulgratitude.net 