Check Sheet Christianity

I kind of posted a few rambling thoughts along this line a while back, but I continue to observe this mentality, or so it seems. It would appear that Christianity has been reduced to a list of things to do. Perhaps a form of mind control adapted to a life that we think we manipulate to suit us if we tint it with a little religion.
Now, don't get me wrong, there are dos and don'ts in life. Yet, my old nature is no more adapt or capable of complying with God's way than before being born again. Therein lies one of the check marks in some minds. Well, let's see, need to do what is right. 1. Hear the gospel 2. Believe the gospel 3. Obey the gospel 4. Repent 5. Be baptized 6. Born again 7. Part of the family of God. 8. Ready to go to work and be a Christian.
Problem with that list is it is all out of wack. Until one is born again they can not do anything on the list. And only God has the power to give life and He does so to whomsoever He will. Then as a child of God you are dependent on His strength to get anything done in His service.
And yet, I see those that, so it seems, present the thinking: 1. Child of God 2. Christian 3. Need to be married 4. Find a spouse that acts like I think is right 5. Have kids 6. Maintain a code of ethics of some religious origin 7. Never falter.
Again, the problem with that list is no room for mistakes and life. And they come and it happens. You get sidetracked and forget to check the sheet or don't feel to have reached the mark and quit. Christianity is Christ lived in you and through you. Oh yes, it is you doing, but you following, praying, seeking, and thanking Him every day for what He has blessed you to do and the forgiveness for what you failed to do. It's not me working for Him, but Him working in me. It's not what's on the list for today, but "Lord what would thou have me do today?" Amen.