Prayer= 20 points
Worship= 20points
Fasting= 20points
Reading Scripture=20points
Attending Church=20 points
Tithing= 20 points
Step right up for your perfect score of 100 points! Your reward is a one way VIP ticket to Heaven! How does that sound??? Hold up !!! Skurrrrrrt , put a metaphorical slam on the brakes! I know, I know…. It sounded really ideal but that ain’t even how it works. This brownie point system may seem ridiculous, but so many of us, as Christians, function in this way where we do the activities that cultivate our beliefs like kids at “show and tell” but blindly missing the deeply rooted meaning involved. The point is relationship not ritual. Now we must carry out practical tasks such prayer, fasting, worship and going to church. This list could go on. Are we doing this for brownie points with Christ ( possible keeping the reward in mind ) or are we truly choosing to do these things because we want to?
“Throw out the calculator and check your heart.”
I think a good trick to use to know your true intentions is the reaction when things don’t go how you expect. It is no different than being there for a friend whenever they need you and then when you need them they are nowhere to be found. How you respond exposes your true intent. Do you freak out and recount all the thing you did ( brownie pint calculations are through the roof) and feel like you deserve this pr you are owed that or do you calmly receive it and move forward not letting that change the way you show up?? Now, be completely honest here.
“While You’re counting up brownie points, God is setting up you next point of blessing. Will you be too distracted to notice it?"
The accumulation of brownie points along your Christian journey is a threat to living the life God called you to, life on his terms. It’s almost like you are saying that because I have done XYZ, I deserve and am owed my reward of ABC. God warns us against this kind of thinking. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:3-8 NIV. If Christ can do all that he did, without keeping tally marks, and not expecting anything in return, so can we!
Take a look at are more reasons to part ways with the brownie point mentality
increased sense of self entitlement (“ I owed this or that “
encourages comparison ( breeding ground for jealousy and envy)
perceived superiority complex towards others ( “I am better than them because ….”
misplaced emotions towards God
You are reading this because it resonates with you in some way. Maybe you are a new Christian finding your rhythm or seasoned Christian trying get that fire back. You struggle with going deeper in your faith and remain surface level. You are going through the motions. You feel you are doing the spiritual practices but fail to see it be fruitful in your life. God is a mighty and powerful being that is not bound by the worlds limitations and our timeline. When we carry on with the brownie-point system-mindset and living, we limit God; what, how and when he can do great things. God holds limitless power and authority.“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
So see, no brownie points required. Do your very best to do what is good. Give yourself some much needed grace when you don’t get it right. Try to do better the next day and the day after that. God will do the rest!
Thank you for reading.
Stay Encouraged & Let God Fill in Your Blank. God bless you!
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