How does one become righteous, sinless and a producer of good works? Many attempt to accomplish the task themselves, but it is far easier to let God do the work by adopting a passive outlook towards their Christian lifestyle.
Problems with Self-Directed Christianity
Too many Christians have the impression that their religion involves a great deal of effort and self-control on their part. While faith, repentance and love for God are vital elements of Christianity, believers often try to force themselves to become sinless and righteous--perceiving their efforts as necessary for salvation. This "active" approach to the Christian lifestyle can leave believers exhausted and frustrated, seeing as one's individual efforts to follow the teachings of Jesus are often fruitless.
Self-Controlled Christianity is Detrimental
The attempts of many to become "good" Christians by themselves often have unintended consequences. The more one focuses on their own efforts, the less focused they are on God’s power and grace. Instead of making Christ's sacrifice, the Holy Spirit and God the Father's love central to their faith, those who attempt to initiate righteousness see their personal actions as more consequential. Often, one is too engrossed or anxious in their push to please God that they fail to listen to God at all.
God’s Work is Sufficient
The wonderful truth about Christianity is that God, given His infinite ability and love, has sufficient strength to bring every sinner into salvation, righteousness and fruitfulness. This power is manifest in the Holy Spirit, which God is willing to give all believers who ask for it. When Christians rely on their own abilities to become sinless, they neglect the perfect ability of God (through His gift of the Holy Spirit) to transform their lives.
Given the power of the Holy Ghost, it is important that one love the Holy Spirit, as this article explains.
Understanding “Responsive Christianity”
Humankind is born into a struggle against God's will--a struggle that does not end with profession of faith in Jesus. The solution to an unrighteous lifestyle is not to fight against oneself, but rather to submit to the power and control of the Holy Spirit out of love. In this way, Christians become responsive and passive in their relationship with God, not aggressive and confrontational.
"Responsive Christianity" is the idea that salvation, righteousness and good works in one's life all derive from the Holy Spirit, Christ Jesus and God the Father—not from the believer. The responsive Christian does not “make” him or herself righteous, but rather allows the Holy Spirit to produce righteousness within; not to work towards salvation, but rather to accept Jesus and trust in the work He accomplished on the cross. Ironically, the more passive one is towards the Holy Spirit, Jesus and God the Father, the more active their life may become--as God, not themselves, will be in control.
Passive in a Good Way
This "passive" attitude does not imply inactivity nor indifference. What it does involve is giving the Holy Spirit full control over one's life and following God's perfect guidance and will. This is no small step to make, especially for those bought up on ideas of self-reliance and independence. Many Christians say that "God is my co-pilot," but putting God in the pilot's seat--and following His order and direction--is necessary, though counterintuitive, for a fruitful lifestyle.
Putting God First
The Christian walk is often perceived as a self-oriented striving to meet God's requirements. Responsive Christianity, however, stresses the need for the loving submission of will and leadership to the Holy Spirit within oneself. It is that deference to God's will and power that leads to a fruitful, righteous life on the outside and a peaceful, joyful self within.
Further Reading
Some may feel that multiple Gods exist, and thus allow false entities to define their lives. The article "Understanding the Existence of One God" shows that only the Holy Trinity is God, meaning that only He should be given control over one's life.
The fact that God loves everybody should inspire all to let God lead in their lives. The article "Does God Love Everyone?" has more on the truth of God's universal love.
