We’re Different; Are You?
I closed my message this past Sunday with the following citation from Brett McCracken’s book (Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church) that shows how different and strange and unwelcome historic Christianity is in our culture as it subverts all the current norms.
In a post-Christian & rapidly secularizing culture, deconstructing isn’t a radical act. It’s just a normal thing that more and more people do.
In a “believe in yourself” world, Christianity calls you to deny yourself (Matt. 16:24) and take up your cross (Luke 14:27).
In a “you do you” world that emphasizes expressive individualism, authenticity, and nonconformity, Christianity is about conforming to the likeness of Jesus (Rom. 8:29) and being imitators of God (Eph. 5:1).
In a consumerist & greedy culture, Christianity calls you to costly generosity (Luke 21:1–4) and a willingness to give up material possessions (Matt. 19:21; Luke 14:33).
In a self-oriented world of self-promotion, self-help, and selfies, Christianity calls you to be an others-focused servant (Phil. 2:3–4; Gal. 6:2; Matt. 20:26–28).
In a world that says you should be free to do with your body whatever you wish, Christianity says you ought to glorify God with your body (1 Cor. 6:20).
In a sexually progressive culture that sanctions pretty much anything in the bedroom, as long as it’s consensual, Christianity says sex is intended for the covenantal union of one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:3-6; 1 Cor. 7:2).
In a world that privileges power, “winning,” and “best life” success, Christianity calls you to value weakness (2 Cor. 12:9–10).
In a partisan world in which thinking the worst of your enemies and trying to “own” them on social media is a way of life, Christianity calls you to the radical challenge of loving them (Matt. 5:44).
In a world that has normalized the discarding of unborn lives and the dehumanizing of others through racism, sexism, and xenophobia, Christianity insists all humans bear the image of God (Gen. 1:27) and are worthy of dignity and protection.
In a world fraught with division and tribal fragmentation, in which it’s easier than ever before to part ways with someone who differs from you, Christianity calls you to be reconciled (Eph. 2:11–22).
In a pluralistic world with a diversity of beliefs—in which “all roads lead to heaven” is a comforting thought—Christianity calls you to believe there is only one path to heaven: trusting in Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
In a world steeped in scientific rationalism, Christianity requires belief in the supernatural (a virgin conceiving a child, bodies resurrecting from the dead, people being miraculously healed, among so many other examples).
Let me add one more I’ve been pondering: In a world that seems more divided and partisan than ever in recent history, Christianity commands us to “love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:35-36). Instead of quarrelling, ranting, ridiculing, cancelling, being reactionary or being harsh, remember this: “the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 2:24–25).
Whether in the church (with the family of God) or outside the church (with those living in darkness and deception as we used to do as well), let’s speak and live differently so God can use a distinct light in the midst of darkness.
Pastor Jeff
“A biblical church will never have ‘worldly success.’ To the world our gospel is stupid, our Savior is crazy, our Bible is error, our God is imagination, our morality is moronic. This is why the church doesn’t define success by worldly standards.”
– Dustin Benge (Visiting professor of Munster Bible College in Ireland, Managing Director of Unashamed Truth)
“A biblical church will never have ‘worldly success.’ To the world our gospel is stupid, our Savior is crazy, our Bible is error, our God is imagination, our morality is moronic. This is why the church doesn’t define success by worldly standards. ”