Many Christians today do not put Jesus’ words
into practice, and in fact they find it ridiculous that anyone might suggest
that they are expected to do so.
What’s going on here? I feel like Mugato in
Zoolander shouting, “Am I the only one who can see this? I feel like I’m taking
crazy pills, here.”
Just the other day I encountered a Christian
who acted as if putting Jesus’ words into practice would most likely result in
cutting off your own hands or plucking out your own eyes. Presumably because
they’ve heard that Jesus told someone to do that once and therefore obedience
to Jesus must include self-mutilation.
Even worse, this sort of reaction is not an
isolated incident. Many Christians – dare I say “Most” Christians – today are
of the same mind on this. For them, following Jesus is an optional,
extra-curricular activity that could possibly be undertaken but it is not
necessary by any means. Being a Christian, in their minds, is simply about believing
the right ideas about God and little else. Of course, one must pray a certain
prayer in a certain way to be saved from an eternal torture in hell, but beyond
that all that God requires of Christians is to hold the right set of beliefs.
Let me say this: If the words of Jesus are not meant
to be put into practice, then Jesus is not Lord and Christianity is a dead religion.
[You can Tweet me on that].
Christianity is all about discipleship. It is
primarily about one person pledging their life to Jesus and surrendering
everything to Christ. Apart from that you may believe whatever you like and
pray whatever comes to mind, but you may not call yourself a Christian.
Jesus called for disciples to follow him. [Matt.
4:19]
He warned them to count the cost before
starting out with him. [Luke 14:26-28]
He told them that it would cost them just one
thing – and that was called “everything”. [Luke 14:33]
He explained that it was impossible to be his
disciple without denying yourself and taking up your cross daily. [Matt. 16:24]
He complained against those who wanted to call
him ‘Lord, Lord’ without actually doing what he commanded. [Luke 6:46-49]
Disciples and Christians are exactly the same
thing. [Acts 11:26]
Whatever else you believe about Jesus or the
Scriptures, you must not call yourself a Christian if you do not daily submit
to Jesus as your Lord. [Romans 10:9]
A.W. Tozer once called those who deny this
simple truth “Vampire Christians” because they only want enough of Christ’s
blood to get to heaven, but have no real intention of following Jesus with
their life.
Am I the one taking crazy pills here? Or is it
everyone else?
-kg
