In a world where convenience often trumps commitment, it’s time to take a hard look at what it truly means to be a Christian. Are we living out our faith with authenticity, or have we fallen into the trap of “convenient Christianity”?
The heart of true faith lies not just in acknowledging Jesus as Savior, but embracing Him as Lord. This distinction is crucial, yet often overlooked. Many profess Christ as their Savior, eagerly accepting the promise of forgiveness and eternal life. However, the call to surrender to His Lordship – to allow Him to reign over every aspect of our lives – is frequently met with hesitation or outright neglect.
This begs the question: Is Christ truly Lord of all in our lives, or have we relegated Him to a compartmentalized role, consulting Him only when it’s convenient or when we’re in crisis?
The Bible paints a vivid picture of what it means to live under Christ’s Lordship. In Matthew 5, Jesus introduces the Kingdom of God with the Beatitudes, describing the characteristics of those who are truly blessed. These blessings aren’t passive states but active pursuits: “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” “Blessed are those who mourn,” “Blessed are the meek.” The Greek word used here, “makarios,” goes beyond mere happiness. It describes a state of divine favor and spiritual well-being that comes from aligning our lives with God’s will.
This alignment requires action on our part. James echoes this sentiment, urging believers to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” It’s not enough to simply listen to sermons or read Scripture; we must apply what we learn, allowing it to transform our lives from the inside out.
Unfortunately, many Christians have adopted a mindset more akin to consumers than disciples. We cherry-pick the aspects of faith that appeal to us, discarding the challenging parts that demand sacrifice or inconvenience. This attitude is starkly evident in how some approach church attendance. The rise of online services, while a blessing in many ways, has also enabled a culture of “church when it’s convenient.” But Hebrews 10:25 clearly instructs us not to forsake “the assembling of ourselves together.” The church is not just a building or an event; it’s a living, breathing community of believers meant to support, challenge, and grow together.
To truly live out our faith, we must embrace what can be called the “Four T’s” of Christian commitment:
1. Time: This includes not only church attendance but also personal devotion, prayer, and service.
2. Treasure: Our financial resources should reflect our priorities. Tithing and generous giving are not just religious obligations but expressions of trust and gratitude towards God.
3. Talents: Each believer has been gifted with unique abilities meant to be used for the edification of the church and the advancement of God’s kingdom.
4. Testimony: Every Christian has a story to tell of God’s work in their life, whether dramatic or subtle. We are called to share these testimonies, making disciples as we go.
The pursuit of authentic Christianity also requires us to cultivate a reverential fear of God. This isn’t a cowering terror, but a deep awe and respect for His holiness and power. It’s a recognition that God is God, and we are not. This holy fear should compel us to take His commands seriously, viewing them not as burdensome rules but as loving guidance from a perfect Father.
Consider the examples of Saul and Samson in the Old Testament. Both were chosen by God for great purposes, yet both faltered when they lost sight of who God truly is. Saul disobeyed direct commands, leading to the Spirit of the Lord departing from him. Samson, endowed with supernatural strength, grew complacent in his calling, eventually losing his power without even realizing it. These cautionary tales remind us of the dangers of taking God’s presence and power for granted.
It’s time for a spiritual awakening in the church. We need to move beyond surface-level faith and dive deep into the transformative power of a life fully surrendered to Christ. This means:
1. Prioritizing our relationship with God above all else.
2. Engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and meditation with consistency and intentionality.
3. Actively participating in a local church community, not just as attendees but as contributing members.
4. Allowing God’s Word to challenge and change us, even when it’s uncomfortable.
5. Cultivating a lifestyle of worship that extends far beyond Sunday mornings.
The path to authentic Christianity isn’t always easy. It requires sacrifice, commitment, and a willingness to be inconvenienced for the sake of the Gospel. But the rewards are immeasurable. As we align our lives more closely with God’s will, we experience the true blessedness – the “makarios” state – that Jesus described.
Imagine a church filled with believers who are fully committed to Christ’s Lordship. A community where God’s presence is tangibly felt, where lives are continually transformed, and where the love of Christ overflows into the surrounding world. This is not just a pipe dream; it’s the church as God intended it to be.
As we reflect on these truths, let’s challenge ourselves to move beyond comfortable, convenient Christianity. Let’s pursue a faith that is vibrant, authentic, and fully submitted to the Lordship of Christ. It’s time to rediscover the awe-inspiring holiness of God and allow it to permeate every aspect of our lives.
The journey begins with a simple prayer: “Lord, speak, for your servant is listening.” Are we ready to hear and obey, no matter the cost? The choice is ours, and the impact of that choice ripples into eternity.
