By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The Way We Live: God Is Not Interested in a Casual Relationship
“Pastor, must I attend every Sunday before God knows I love Him?”
Pastor Daniel looked at Michael, who had just finished explaining why work, family commitments and tiredness frequently kept him away from church.
“My son, is your relationship with God only about attending church, or does He have a place in your everyday life?”
Michael smiled awkwardly. “I pray when I have problems, and I thank Him when things go well. Isn’t that enough?”
The pastor paused. “If your closest friend contacted you only when he needed money, would you call that friendship or a convenient arrangement?”
Michael’s smile disappeared. He had come expecting a quick answer, but the question followed him home like an unfinished conversation.
On Sunday mornings, many people gather to worship God, sing familiar songs and listen to sermons. Yet, beyond the church doors, the question of commitment remains personal.
Christianity is not merely a religious activity; it is a covenant relationship with God. It calls for faith, obedience, trust and a willingness to walk with Him beyond moments of desperation.
During the service, pastor explained that a covenant involves an agreement between parties, with promises and obligations. In Christianity, God’s covenant reveals His commitment to His people.
Revelation 5:9 points to believers being redeemed for God through the blood of Christ. This redemption is not a casual arrangement; it establishes the foundation of Christian belonging.
Michael remembered how quickly he prayed whenever trouble entered his home. When his business struggled, he called on God; when money came, prayer sometimes slipped down his priority list.
“God, please help me,” he would plead during difficult nights. But when life improved, he often returned to his familiar routines without giving much thought to the relationship.
His friend Samuel once teased him, “You treat prayer like an emergency number. You remember it immediately when trouble starts ringing.”
Michael laughed, but the remark struck home. He began to wonder whether he had been seeking God’s presence or merely reaching for His assistance.
Exodus 20:1–2 reminds Israel that God delivered His people from slavery before giving them His commandments. Their obedience was connected to a relationship already established through deliverance.
Romans 5:19 contrasts the disobedience of one man with the obedience of Christ, showing the importance of obedience in God’s redemptive plan.
The pastor identified ignorance, consent and disobedience as three things that can expose believers to spiritual and moral danger. Each calls for reflection, discernment and responsibility.
Ignorance can leave people vulnerable to deception because they cannot recognise what contradicts their faith. This is why studying Scripture matters beyond simply carrying a Bible to church.
Consent, in this context, concerns the choices people willingly make, including decisions that compromise their values. Disobedience arises when people knowingly reject instructions they understand and ought to follow.
However, Christians should not assume every illness, hardship or spiritual struggle proves that someone has entered a harmful covenant. Difficult experiences can have many causes.
Ecclesiastes 5:4–6 warns against making vows carelessly and failing to fulfil them. Our words and commitments matter, especially when we promise God something during desperate moments.
“God, if You give me this job, I will serve You,” someone promises. The job arrives, the celebration begins, and the promise is soon buried beneath everyday demands.
The pastor’s reminder was simple: if you want God to work with you, give Him something to work with. Faith must find expression in how we live.
Genesis 26:1–3 records God’s assurance to Isaac during a famine, reaffirming promises connected to Abraham. The passage shows God’s faithfulness across generations and His guidance during uncertain times.
Jeremiah 33:21 refers to God’s covenant with David, illustrating the seriousness of His promises. For Christians, such passages invite confidence in God’s faithfulness while encouraging reverence for His word.
The sermon also explored covenant themes of life, dominion, protection, health, fruitfulness and grace. These promises encourage believers to trust God, although they should not be treated as guarantees of a trouble-free life.
Psalm 91 speaks of God’s protection, while 3 John 1:2 expresses a prayer for wellbeing and good health. Together, they remind Christians to bring their whole lives before God in prayer.
Grace is another essential part of the Christian walk. It is God’s help and enabling power in human weakness, not permission to disregard His instructions or avoid responsibility.
First Corinthians 6:17 speaks of the believer being united with the Lord in spirit. Such closeness calls for a life that reflects the relationship a person professes.
Later that evening, Michael opened his Bible and sat beside his wife, who was surprised to see him reading without preparing for Sunday service.
“Are you looking for a particular verse?” she asked.
“No,” he replied. “I am trying to understand why I keep asking God to remain close when I barely make room for Him.”
His wife sat beside him. For once, they discussed their faith without rushing to finish a prayer before returning to their phones.
Michael realised that commitment did not mean pretending to be perfect. It meant returning to God honestly, learning His word, keeping his promises and allowing his faith to shape everyday decisions.
A covenant relationship is not sustained by Sunday attendance alone. It grows through prayer, obedience, repentance, gratitude and the daily choices that reveal what truly matters to us.
Personal Thoughts:
God is not interested in being remembered only when life becomes unbearable. He invites us into a relationship that remains meaningful when our prayers are answered and our circumstances improve.
One Thing Worth Remembering:
Do not make God an emergency contact when He desires to be part of your everyday life. Build your relationship with Him through faith, obedience and genuine commitment.
Let’s Talk:
If God examined your everyday life rather than your Sunday worship, what would your choices reveal about your relationship with Him?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us build a genuine and lasting relationship with You. Give us the grace to walk in obedience, remain faithful to Your word and honour our covenant with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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