How Much Jesus Do You Really Want?
I realize I run the risk of coming across as legalistic with this blog entry. Please know…that is not my heart. I have a great dislike for both legalism and religion, as I believe both are destructive. Rather, this blog is written out of love and concern, as I believe we have a serious issue within American Christianity. With this in mind, this article is only written to those of us who profess to be Christians.
Although not a new problem, over recent months, I’ve grown increasingly aware, and quite honestly a bit dumbfounded, by three things:
1) Christian Believers supporting issues directly opposed to God’s Word. Stances taken on issues regarding sexuality, abortion, pre-marital relationships and world issues such as our support of Israel, have left me scratching my head, asking the question “Do you care what God says on the subject?”
2) Lifestyle choices made by Believers, ultimately resulting in great separation between themselves and God.
3) Lack of the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control). Honestly, I've met some atheists who are more kind and generous than those who profess to follow Christ.
In a recent podcast of Pastor Craig Groschel, he stated, “Most Christians take just enough snippets of Jesus to make them feel good, but not enough for true transformation.” Not only does this statement speak truth, but it defines a very real predicament within Christianity, particularly in America, as it seems many of us are running from true transformation.
It has been said “Christianity started out in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise.” Is this the problem? Has Christianity become an enterprise, a business, much like a “club” or organization that we join for our personal benefit? Is declaring our need for a Savior more about getting a ticket to heaven and feeling guiltless, or is it about a drastic life change, fueled by my love for the One I profess?
Somewhere along the way, it seems that Christianity in America has morphed from an “I’m-all-in” personal committed relationship….to a feel good, I-want-to-go-to-heaven-but-I-don’t-want-to-be-inconvenienced-or-asked-to-change type of culture. Many who identify themselves as “Believers” now either doubt or disregard God’s Word as being ultimate truth. Political beliefs and stances have ceased to align with God’s Word. Kindness and goodwill have taken on a very different definition – being defined as not only acceptance, but the celebration of all beliefs, lifestyles, and choices, ultimately defined not by God, but by the person by whom they are claimed.
It is estimated that over 1.2 million people are leaving the church each year – that’s about 3500 people per day! Americans who belong to non-Christian faiths has also increased. What’s the reason? Could it be that which was once authentic and genuine has transformed into a watered-down, wishy-washy faith that really isn’t faith at all, ultimately resulting in Christianity being not only unattractive, but unnecessary? Has God become so vague that we neglect to recognize our desperation for Him?
We have an epidemic of those claiming to be Christ followers choosing to remain stagnant, not wanting to grow, change or be inconvenienced - taking just enough Jesus to make them feel good, but not enough for true transformation. God’s Word has been put on a shelf – not read, pondered or consumed, as it has been rendered unnecessary, or at the very least optional.
“The Bible in American Life,” an article from the HuffPost, states that only 9% of Christian Americans read the Bible daily. Of this 9%, not all believe that it is the literal inspired Word of God. With this in mind, the question begs to be asked…how can you get enough Jesus for transformation, if you’re not reading His Word daily? The answer is that you can’t. It’s impossible.
Lack of buy-in has resulted in the Believer’s mind to be conditioned to that of the world. Nowhere is it more evident than on the subject of sex, as the average Christian’s attitude toward dating and marriage now reveals a broad acceptance for cohabitation, premarital sex and a rejection of traditional gender roles. According to the “2014 State of Dating in America,” 61% of Christians said they would have sex prior to marriage. Fifty-six percent said it’s appropriate to cohabitate after dating 6 months to 2 years, and 34% said although it would be nice to marry someone of the same faith, it’s not required.
What has happened to us? It seems American Believers have become lazy, temperamental, wish-washy and much weaker than those in other countries where Christianity must be fought for. We’ve had it so easy, we don’t value what we have. Many want the assurance of entrance into heaven without the commitment to godliness on earth. Forgiveness and grace have been cheapened and taken for granted, devaluing the very life of Jesus Christ and the price paid for our freedom and forgiveness. We are failing at loving others well, as our behavior doesn’t look much different than those who claim Christ isn’t needed. Why are we allowing culture to reshape our values, predetermining what is acceptable? Are we that naïve?
Once again, I am only speaking to those who currently claim to have a relationship with Christ. My hope is that each of us enter into a serious heart-check, asking the question, “How much Jesus do I really want?” Am I looking for just enough, but not so much, that I am inconvenienced? Do I want enough Jesus to make changes? Enough Jesus to choose kindness and love over rudeness and revenge? Enough to forgive those who hurt or betray me? Enough to walk in humility, giving up my “right” to be “right.” Enough to love others where they are, just as Jesus did? Enough to be patient with those who need Him? Enough to be willing to look different than the world?
When we come into relationship with Christ, the Word tells us that we are now “a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” We belong to a new family. We are now “in this world, but not of this world.” We belong to Him. With this in mind, we need to ask and know “How much Jesus do I really want? Do I really want to be a part of this new family?” The time is coming, if not already here, that “being all in” will be what’s needed. Let’s be ready. Let’s fully be His.
