Me Religious?
One of my favorite books is called the “BarbarianWay”. No it has nothing to do with the cartoons. (Hanna-Barabera J ) Instead it is a book that challenges the lifestyle that many in today’s church have chosen. It makes a clear distinction between a radical Jesus and the one we hear about today.
There are a lot of preachers & even best selling authors today that are talking about people getting rich, getting comfortable and being safe. But I wonder:
Have we made Christianity too easy?
Are we really experiencing the same Jesus that began a revolution?
The biblical Jesus speaks about love, sacrifice, denying yourself, serving others and the adventure of experiencing Him. This seems like quite a contrast because it is.
The author states that you cannot separate love and sacrifice. I have thought about this for awhile and decided I agree.
So if God is love then we should not be looking for the easy, comfortable life but how to take up our crosses and follow Him.
I was convicted by what I read. I realized how self centered I have become and how I too often choose the easy way and want to quit when things get tough.
Perhaps we have become too religious. Is there a contrast between the religion of Christianity and the revolution that Jesus began two thousand years ago? Is it possible to truly meet the creator of the universe and remain casual about your faith to the point of desiring money, comfort and security in this world?
What do you think? Do you agree? Can you relate?
I would love to hear your comments
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:54 am
I couldn’t agree more with what you have written here Mark. The “Prosperity Gospel” really bugs me! Nothing could be further from Jesus’ teaching. And there’s that certain preacher down in Houston, TX (I won’t mention his name because that would be indiscrete)…Joel Osteen…who really bugs me! I have yet to hear the word “sin” come from his mouth. He preaches that God wants us all to be rich. What a farce!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:3-7
Jesus suffered. The disciples suffered. If you are a Christian and are living the Christian life you will experience suffering of some kind.
As the scripture above teaches, these trials are for our good. Our struggles, trials and tribulations refine our faith and make us stronger Christians. That’s why James tells us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” - James 1:2-4
As a cancer survivor, I know this firsthand. When I was given 5 years to live due to the extent of my cancer, I had no idea that God was going to use this horrible trial to make me stronger and to bring me closer to Him. I can honestly say that I’m glad now that I had to go through this trial. It’s really true what they say: Whatever doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.