A friend of mine served with the British army for a number of years, during which time he saw live action several times.

Each time, as he heard the bullets zip past his head, he prayed to God “If you get me out of this, I’ll go to church; honest!”

God got him out of each pickle, and my friend promptly went to the pub to celebrate, and forgot about his bargain.

His view of God was nothing more than a genie in a lamp that he was meant to call upon in time of dire need, just to help him cheat death.

The problem that Christians face today is that many people believe that the sole purpose of Christianity is to get people out of hell, to cheat death permanently as it were, and get to Heaven, and unfortunately, as Christians, we have often propagated this misconception.

Major Ian Thomas, the founder of Capernwray Hall, said, “Christianity is not just about getting man out of hell and into Heaven, but getting God out of Heaven, and into man!” If our faith existed merely to save us from hell, then all I would be doing as a minister would be selling a product to improve your eternity!

True Christianity is about being in a relationship with the Lord Jesus that makes us look more like Him each day.

Our role as Christians is not to try to emulate His life, but to allow Him free rein to live His life in each of us.

True relationship is far more than rash promises made in times of greatest need.

Jesus Christ wants our lives today, for Him to be glorified through each of us.

We, in turn, choose Him, not merely to get into Heaven, but more so that our lives reflect His glory to a world in desperate need.

Russell Fralick, Pastor, Windermere Community Church.