Have you ever heard someone say that they wish America would return to Christian values?
There
is a major difference between wanting America to become more
"Christian" out of a desire to be more comfortable as a Christian and
actually having a passion to see people's lives transformed
by the Gospel.
From
what I observe, most Christians who demand a return to Biblical values are more
concerned with their own desire to be around people who are more like them,
share their opinions, etc. and are less concerned for people around them who are desperate
for the freedom and life found in Christ.
What I don’t see is a passion to see people’s
lives transformed. I don’t see Christians weeping for the lost or driven to
serve the outcast or hoping to see the Kingdom of God advanced.
Instead,
what I see and hear are Christians who are judgmental, angry, and intolerant of
people who threaten their lifestyle and do not share their specific set of
values.
Here’s
a kick to the head: If you really want America to be a Christian nation, you’ll
have to preach the Gospel to the lost, and live out the Gospel in your daily
life. That means sharing what you have with people in need. That means
welcoming the stranger into your home. That means caring for the poor, and
loving the unlovable, and being willing to put the needs of others above your
own.
In
the end, this is really all about comfort. You either love your own comfort more than
you love people, or you’re willing to leave your comfort zone to share the good
news of the Kingdom with people who are not like you.
As followers of Christ, we should not be motivated by selfishness. We're called to lay down our lives for others.
Let's pray for more grace to love people with the same love that Jesus has showered us with.
-kg
