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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Escape (01/02/06)
What we need is an escape from the sappy sentimentality that marks all that is considered “Christian” these days. Permeating today’s Christian culture is a sort of vague spirituality that enjoys looking for God in circumstances that look like coincidences in which maybe we will acknowledge God’s hand, and all give big “ooh” and “aah” as if watching some kiddy party magician produce a dove from his sleeve. We call on God only when we are down and out, and if it produces results we thank Him by writing an emotional-laden story about it so others can be “moved.” Then when the show is over, we go on our way without giving the Orchestrator of those circumstances another thought until the next crisis, real or imagined.

We think it is enough to call ourselves “Christians” if we ever once set foot in a church with a cross on it, and we try to lead moral lives. Apparently, all it takes to be considered Christian, as manifested by most chat rooms, message boards, and writing posts is that we refrain from four-letter words and sexual topics.

But whatever we do, let’s not get too biblical about it. Let’s not make anyone feel in any way accountable to the God that they call on for help. Let’s not call on anyone to get out of his or her self-centered, self-pitying lives. What then would we have to read about if not someone’s troubles, depression, and “reality” TV-type drama in an effort to actually escape our own reality.

Those who dare to use the name Christ-ian, had better be prepared to be Christ-like. Christ was never sentimental. He was compassionate, yes. But he never asks for warm fuzzy feelings from his disciples. He asks for total abandonment, a willingness for us to take up our cross, endure our trials, and put Him in the center of all our circumstances. And yes, even to praise him in our trials, and not whine about them, and wait for a result that amounts to “Chicken Soup for the Soul” so others can feel good for a moment. Our love for Him should not be a feeling, rather a decision. It needs to be a decision to love Him even when our prayers are not answered, even when we don’t “feel” like it.

Jesus never promised his true followers a life free of troubles, in fact, just the opposite. But he did promise us eternity. But getting there takes more than thinking of yourself as a Christian. It takes realizing you are undeserving of his grace and mercy, confessing your sins to Him, and realizing that he went to Cross so you would not have to, and then making a commitment to put aside all that is self, sentiment, and emotions, and become a true disciple. Then you can call yourself a Christian.
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