Real Christianity

Okay, I know this comment is a little out of step for a pastor's wife... but honestly, sometimes Christians get on my nerves. More specifically, sometimes traditional Baptist Christians get on my nerves. Don't get me wrong: I'm thankful for my heritage. I love being a part of the family of God. And I could no more separate myself from my faith than I could cut off my right leg! But it concerns me when people refuse to see anything from outside their "Baptist bubble". They are just so immersed in a culture of talking, walking, thinking, dressing, living, breathing... in a certain way. They are so busy speaking Christianese, they have totally lost touch with the rest of the world.

Equally disconcerting to me are Christians who have cast off traditional religion in favor of a faith marked by "social activism". They rightly insist that if God is love, then Christians should care about the social ills of the world. Absolutely true. But while embracing God's love, it is still necessary to address His holiness. I see a disturbing pattern among certain groups of Christians who have begun to see biblical standards as relative, and sinful patterns as tolerable --after all, does it really matter how they conduct their personal lives, as long as they are "good" people trying to make the world a better place?

Both of these positions are flawed, and quite frankly, both reflect a degree of spiritual immaturity. The Bible says we are to be in the world, but not of the world. So what exactly does that mean?

If we are to be obedient Christians, we have to be in the the world! Some Christians are so afraid of becoming "of the world", they avoid it altogether. But authentic faith is not a series of platitudes and religious works. Authentic faith shows itself best when we become the eyes, hands, feet and heart of Jesus. I find it offensive when "mature" Christians refer to unbelievers as though they are lepers to be avoided at all costs (unless you are rubbing shoulders with them only to offer the "prescriptive cure" for what ails them!)

Jesus didn't shy away from those who did not know Him. He was not afraid of "getting his hands dirty". He did not hold them at arm's length while He shouted "repent" from a nearby mountain-top! Christ spent time with people of all persuasions. He ate with tax collectors and sinners. He was criticized by the 'religious people' of the day, but He didn't care because He loved them. And in his genuine love for them, He sought to show them the truth they desperately needed. Jesus always knew where they were at, and what their struggles were. He knew what made them tick. He was highly sensitive, always approaching the person with a fitting message at the opportune time.

Do you have genuine love for people who may not know Christ? Do you see each person as a unique individual made in the image of God, and deeply loved by Him? Do you think it's possible that someone who may not believe like you do might even have something to offer you ~ as a result of the common grace God so richly bestows on all of mankind??? HOW can you hope to interest someone in sincere faith in Christ, if you merely see that person as a means to an end? Or if you feel (and most likely communicate) that you are somehow superior to him or her? Make no mistake about it, the only difference between you and the person furthest from God is the cross. Don't ever forget it, and let it humble you.

If, on the other hand, you are patting yourself on the back because you are not afraid to immerse yourself in the culture, guard yourself, lest you become of the world. I am not suggesting that you bind yourself up in long list of man-made "religious rules". But you do answer to the Lord if you have committed your life to Him. Don't think for a minute that you truly impact others for Christ by living a compromising brand of Christianity. Sure, your "faith" may be attractive to the masses, but faith devoid of personal responsibility is deceptive. And there's nothing loving about that. Romans 12:2 says: "Do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God..." Christianity is not a cult, but neither is it a country club! Never forget you were bought with a price.

Biblical Christians are balanced Christians. God is both completely loving and completely holy, and we are to strive to be like Him. We are surrounded by people on a daily basis who desperately need a glimpse of real Christianity. Obviously, none of us are perfect, or we wouldn't need a Savior! But by the grace of God, we can learn to be in the world without being of it. We can choose to truly care for people - whoever or wherever they are... We can invest enough time in those around us to earn their trust and a listening ear... We can be strong and unwavering in our convictions... And, in doing so, we can impact our world.