Danish philosopher/theologian Soren Kierkegaard always emphasised the need for commitment in Christians. He was a thorn in the side of the institutional church with his criticism of the church's way of producing stereotyped church-goers, rather than vibrant, faithful, committed believers.
This is one of his prayers which I have taken from this webpage.
Amen.
You Have Loved Us First
Father in Heaven! You have loved us first, help us never to forget that You are love so that this sure conviction might triumph in our hearts over the seduction of the world, over the inquietude of the soul, over the anxiety for the future, over the fright of the past, over the distress of the moment.
But grant also that this conviction might discipline our soul so that our heart might remain faithful and sincere in the love which we bear to all those whom You have commanded us to love as we love ourselves.
Anonymous
24 March 2010 at 22:06
Something that I have learned more recently is, that it is indeed that sure conviction, that absolutely certainty that God loves me which is paramount in my whole life and my whole being. without that, nothing matters and actually with that certainty, nothing else matters - it just helps put things into perspective whether it is issues with Church, people or if I'm just feeling a bit naffed off, I will still be able to feel that love and share it in an appropriate way if I only listen and follow Jesus' ways.
Thanks Kath, always making me think and challenge myself x
Kath Williamson
25 March 2010 at 22:06
What wonderful words. Thank you for sharing that.