— The world has become so churchy and the church so worldly that it is hard to distinguish the one from the other. Some Christians seem to have the idea that we must mingle with the world and become like it in order to win souls and influence lives for God but funny enough, the World expects us to be different. Even when they succeed in drawing us to their level, they mock and laugh at our plight. No wonder they oftentimes don’t respect us or reverence our position. —
Could you disagree? These are the words of Oswald J. Smith in his book, The Man God Uses. A book high up the list of Recommendations.
Christianity as a lifestyle has become multiple faceted in comparison with the world so much so that foundational doctrines which are backed by scriptures and should form the basis of our convictions now “depend on the way you see it”. Instead of holding ourselves accountable when we ere as we would in other areas of our lives, we’re quick to say “Nobody is perfect” or “I’m still growing in my journey with Christ” in self defense.
“I’m a Christian” but it’s okay to tell a white lie to get away from trouble.
“I’m a Christian” but there’s nothing wrong with premarital sex and immoral practices before marriage.
“I’m a Christian” but we can be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, because God still loves all His children regardless of our sexuality.
“I’m a Christian” but a little dabbing into dubious practices to make profit is a smart move.
“I’m a Christian” but God looks at the heart so we can dress promiscuously.
Where do we draw the line? Between godly and ungodly? Are we going to continue taking bites of the parts of the Bible that soothe our conscience and discard the parts that hurt our feelings? If unbelievers with moral discretion can choose to live by certain standards because they have a conscience, how then can we call ourselves Christians and set the bar even lower by continuing to trifle with the Scriptures? If you’re not ready to make the commitment, don’t bother taking the pledge. The Bible is very clear about the fruits of a Christian. And it’s by these fruits that they can be identified, not by what they claim to be.
The version of Grace being preached where it’s claimed “Once saved, forever saved…” seems as a beautiful invitation to “Come as you are“ however is defective in the sense that it is an encouragement to “Continue as you are”. Sadly, it is based on the belief that “Love covers all”. Indeed, love covers a multitude of sins but it is not a license to continue in sin (Romans 6:1,2). Rather, Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness (Titus 2:12). Grace gives us a chance to do better, to move beyond and above the dictates of the weak and carnal nature of man. Throughout history, God always pulled his converts out of their old habits, company and in some cases habitation to have a new beginning with Him.
More than anything, grace is a call to redemption. A call to translate our raise of hands in total surrender and worship to equal consecration when life gives us ultimatums to follow Christ. A call to be broken enough to see our shortcomings yet wise enough to know that we don’t have to drown in them.
You may ask why you need God when you have everything the heart of man desires on earth. There’s a sense of peace money cannot buy and there’s a contentment you can only find in Christ. The luxuries of life, extravagant purchases, exclusive experiences, wealth and material possessions, morality and good service to humanity don’t equate to true success and happiness.
Are you yet to surrender your life to God? Now’s a great opportunity. Simply say these words wholeheartedly.
— Heavenly Father, I come to you in total surrender. I acknowledge my weaknesses, faults and failures and I humbly ask for your forgiveness. Wash me with your blood and help me change my ways. Give me the grace to live a blameless and victorious life. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.—