Recently, in my sporadic yet perennial online pursuit of studying theological doctrines, I came past an article that I had read before but this time it hit me with an even greater fervor in light of its veracity. In the midst of reading it, I had to ask myself many times...."Just how Christian am I anyway?" And as the author notes, that might be a question that none of us will ever fully agree on an answer to, but one thing we can do is evaluate how much of the essentials of Christ's character are readily seen or easily detected in us. In a day and age, where many people (mainstream and not) are calling themselves Christians, and sadly in some instances, deceiving themselves, there is seemingly a trend of living life out to fulfill our own pleasures and desires, and keeping Christ hidden deep or on the backburner. Our conformity to the mundane principles of society is clearly evident and, might I add, inherent to our flesh.
A perfect example of this I can attest to in my own life and surroundings. I recently (I use recently loosely) moved out to a location (that I will never disclose unless forced to...lol) in the mid-west (just like any other location) where I am seemingly surrounded by people (co-workers and non) who go to church on Sunday faithfully, and faithfully pronounce their Christianity (when asked), but who also faithfully "live it up" and i don't mean for Christ. Whether it be getting drunk, clubbing (excessively) or engaging in some type of erroneous activity, it is a clear attempt (maybe unknowingly) of serving two masters. I see a profession of Christ with their lips, but a lack of exemplifying Christ in their actions (mine too). I think we may all fit in that group at times if we be honest with ourselves(I also realize that since my move, I haven't exactly been the best witness either-bit of self-reflection there). I do not see a knowledge and awareness of the biblical notions of suffering for the sake of the Gospel (carrying the cross) and Christo-centrism. What I do see is things like unhappiness and complaints about their present location or circumstance. There is a joy that comes from Christ that supersedes the aforementioned, but this joy goes unnoticed if our devotion lies in any other than the foundation of Christ, and Christ alone. My goal is not to condemn any one who clubs (can't say that I have never been to one) or drinks (nope can't exactly deny this one either) or anything like that. My goal is simply to say that Christians should act like Christians.
Therefore, in my mind at least, the problem comes into play when going to clubs or drinks affects the witness of our Christianity. By the way, these are simple examples. Not going to clubs or drinking, but seldom praying or reading and sharing the Word is not any better. Is it really so outrageous to put our desires on the backburner and put Christ on display? If you are a believer, let's reflect Christ in our lifestyle. Let's WALK IT OUT.
Lastly, I pray that my "life demonstrates what my lips say"-Of course this is built on the assumption that what my lips are saying is truly reflecting the eternal and inerrant Truth of the Word of GOD. (They sit on 22's, we sit on 66 {Phanatik, on History} ). "They tell me the only thing we learn from history is [that] we usually don't learn from history"(Amba, on History). My prayer is that we decide to learn from the history, not just chronologically, but theologically--meaning the ever-relevant examples of our biblical forefathers (the great clouds of witnesses, if you will--meaning their witness) who put God's desires over their own--in fact God's desires became their own. We have the same Spirit who gave Peter his boldness. "Can anybody spare some change? " (Tonic, History)
Ok enough of what I think, I'll let the article and its author speak for itself/hisself. Please read the article. It really is a good read, something to think about , and something that can apply to us all-whether you are a "plain Christian" or you preach, teach or rock the mic for Christ---its something to consider.
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