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Education Ministry

Posted on February 26, 2004 ...

Statistics indicate that more people consider themselves Christian than any other religion in the world. While this is encouraging, it is also deceiving. In reality, if Christianity were illegal in America, the lives of many Christians would not provide enough evidence to convict them in a court of law. The Bible makes it very clear that we are to be united in belief and conduct, yet there is much more division among us than unity. Even on such basic issues as the existence of absolute moral truth, authority of the Bible, the sinlessness of Jesus, the nature and work of the Holy Spirit, salvation by grace alone, and our responsibility to be witnesses for Christ, Christians are divided.

Now there is plenty of room for diversity within the Body of Christ when it comes to such things as worship style, proper Sunday morning attire, and interpretation of certain issues not absolutely defined in Scripture. But the core of Christianity is not open to individual interpretation. Jesus made it very clear and very specific. A Christian is one who follows Christ; and following Christ means a commitment to live and think like Jesus. While that sounds simple enough, in reality many Christians do not live and think like Jesus at all. In the era of W.W.J.D?, our lives suggest that we do not know the answer. For example, Jesus said, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Yet we find Christians harboring bitterness and contempt even toward one another. Jesus taught and modeled humble service as the way in which His followers must live, yet we would rather polish our medals than wash each other’s feet. Could it be that in spite of four gospel accounts of His life, we are still not quite sure what Jesus would do? Or do we just not believe it enough to do it?

Who is this Jesus we say we know, yet live as if we do not? What are we to make of His teachings that run so counter to our culture? Are they merely idealistic leftovers from a bygone age, or does Jesus really expect us to live by them in 21st century America? Isn’t it enough to just believe in a Jesus who loves little children and promises that everything will be okay? What do we do with the Jesus that tells us to expect persecution, hatred, and even death because of our allegiance to Him?

As I observe the Christian culture, I see two extremes. On the one hand, there are those who prefer a quiet admiration of the serene Jesus of story books and stained glass windows. On the other hand, there are those who want to march into Washington, plant the Christian flag on the Capital lawn, and reclaim America in the name of Jesus. I am uncomfortable with both of these extremes. Neither of them truly understands, let alone practices, the life of Jesus as it is recorded in the Bible. While meek and mild, Jesus did not find a comfortable spot to love God privately while waiting for heaven. And while He was zealous and courageous, Jesus seemed indifferent to the political system of His day. Jesus called for a revolution of the soul; an abandonment of cultural religion in exchange for an authentic love relationship with God. This call has not changed. About six months ago, I was challenged to re-examine my own beliefs about Jesus. God shattered my cultural perceptions and revealed to me the unexpected life of His Son. I want to invite you to join me in this continuing quest for the truth about our Lord. Sign up for one of our Disciple Life Courses, starting March 7, and begin a new adventure in living.