One of at least three responses exist to Christian discipleship: Culture, our humanity, or Christ. Whichever dominates determines the value of a Christian’s witness.
A church in our city has a street sign that points to a building hidden behind other construction: the land likely purchased cheaply. The symbolism offers society’s response: remain an unknown religious presence: “Christians, keep your convictions hidden inside your worship services.” Our humanity is no less dangerous. It never stops saying, “If I have time”; “should no alternative exist”; “how could I make time for THAT, given all the other demands made on me?”; “I’ll give what’s left, not the first fruits”. This human response all too often characterizes the believer. “I’ll give Jesus whatever I have from the overflow of my life”; “time for Jesus comes when I don’t have other demands on my day”; “I don’t want to appear as a religious zealot.” Though we don’t mind being a rabid sports fan, a right-wing Republican or far-left-wing Democrat. Christ’s response alone satisfies him, guarantees his grace on our witness and keeps us in his will. He says we’re “the salt of the earth” Matthew 5:13. Therefore, we must be involved in other people’s lives to flavor and preserve them. He says we’re “the light of the world…a city on a hill” Matthew 5:14. Therefore, we can’t hide his light in our personal devotions or our church services. Both figures demand public influence by people willing to put Christ’s name on their clothing to let people judge his worth by proving their involvement when tragedy strikes. Wherever such men and women get involved, God’s Church exists as a public expression of God’s love and Christ’s grace. People who fail to be where God can reach them shouldn’t be surprised when they’re NOT reached; they have only themselves to blame. And Christians who fail to publicly engage as Christ’s disciples in the spiritual warfare so strenuously waged today can’t be surprised that society continues to plunge into deeper depravity. Since Christ is the sole means of saving the lost from sin, and his people the sole means he uses as messengers of his grace, whether we add to society’s problem or to its solution depends on how forceful our public witness remains. Will we as Christians dare to bravely call sin any attitude or behavior God denounces? And dare to bravely call a sinner anyone who refuses to be forgiven by accepting Christ? And dare to bravely be a Christ-like resurrected life so the lost can see their lostness in contrast I Peter 3:15? End Part II
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