Is it possible that some of us, even if only occasionally, seek for minimal Christianity? By that I do not mean a simple Christianity devoid of human doctrines (that would be a good thing), but rather a Christianity that seeks to be with God by doing the absolute minimum that we think is required. Do we give of our time or resources only what we figure will keep us in good standing with God? Do we look at being a Christian in terms of, “well I don't steal, I don't cheat and I haven't killed someone, I go to church a couple times a month and drop a few bucks in the plate so I'm good!”?
See if this question of Peter's relates to us in anyway, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” - Mathew 18:21. Is this the view we take, how much should I give? How many times do I really have to attend services? Will doing good a few times a day be enough? Will forgiving seven times be enough?
I am afraid whether we admit to it or not we can been guilty of this mindset. For whatever reason we'll seek to find what the minimum is and seek that as our standard and count ourselves done. Of course the reply to Peter from Jesus is a reply to us as well. Notice what he said, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” - Matthew 18:22. Now I don't believe Jesus was setting the threshold of 490 to be a number to truly consider. The number is more hyperbole. The idea someone would have the opportunity to offend, be forgiven offend, be forgiven up to 490 times in a day sounds like more than a full-time job. Rather than being a number by which the 491st time we are free not to forgive, Jesus is saying there is no number, there is no minimum. You forgive because you are to forgive. You forgive because you are forgiven.
We must learn to grow and mature past a minimum attitude. Rather than adding minimum requirements to our day for Godly behavior, God tells us we need to seek constantly things that are above. “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” - Colossians 3:1-3
Let us not seek to simply do deeds unto Christ but rather live our lives unto Christ for we have been raised to seek after Jesus.