You’ve heard of the term “FWB,” right? As it relates to spirituality, “SWB” is “Saved with Benefits,” meaning you’re saved but there is no commitment to obedience whatsoever. On a personal note, I thought I had a great relationship with God but there were still some areas in my life that were not quite right.
I’ve had an SWB relationship with God — loving the benefits of being a Christian without much sacrifice or suffering. When I say “suffering,” I don’t mean external circumstances or the past over which you had no control. I’m talking about it as in suffering for righteousness because nine times out of ten, obedience does not feel comfortable and it sure feels like suffering when you are denying yourself from what your flesh really wants.
“For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Acts 9:16
Think not only of Jesus’s sufferings but also of Paul, Abraham, David, Job and other heroes of the faith! These men are great examples who took their faith to the next level. Each one is known for his unique love for God but when you closely examine their lives, you will also see how greatly they suffered in order to stay close to God.
“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” Luke 9:24
Intimacy with God requires giving up worldly pleasures for the sake of a healthy relationship with Him based on love and obedience. No one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). If you are not serving God, you are serving something else.
We may not always be aware that we have an SWB relationship, but one way I realized this was through a conversation with a friend. After listening to my complaints and rationalizations, she pointed out that many times we Christians like the benefits of Christ without suffering for righteousness. To be honest, this conversation opened my eyes to see the countless times when I rationalized my sins in my own head and with other people!
“Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” Proverbs 26:12
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:7
If we are well-meaning Christians, I don’t think we are intentionally in SWB relationships with God, but sometimes we need a little help from friends (especially strong Christians) who will open our eyes to the true condition of our hearts.
#relationships #God #compromise #SWB #musingz4life #righteousness #holiness #obedience #love
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