Believe it or not, I really do enjoy messing with people and their religious minds. Not because I want people to hate me, or call me a jerk or an idiot.
Nor is it because I feel I have all of the answers to the Church’s problems.
One of my favorite verses explains why I write the way I do:
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…” (Hebrews 10:24 ESV)
Stir up one another to love and good works… Yep, that’s what I’m trying to do.
Okay. With that out of the way, I’ll move on to today’s topic.
In my opinion, the number one problem in this nation’s Christian population is something I call “Safe Christianity”.
What do I mean?
Safe Christianity is a form of political correctness, only from the church’s vantage point.
A few examples:
1. Because people aren’t comfortable addressing such topics as pornography and other sexual sins, it’s a huge problem in the church.
Paul and other New Testament writers talked about it. We should as well.
2. Because many have bought into satan’s lie regarding money, wealth and possessions, some ministers are afraid to say much about money for fear they’ll be labeled as either one of those money grabbing “prosperity preachers”, or they’ll offend the flock and lose some donations.
Again, Jesus, Peter, and Paul all discussed money and giving.
Safe Christianity robs not only the church, but also those the church has been commissioned to reach.
3. Because we have defined “let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40) to mean “that which we can understand, control, tolerate, be comfortable with, and doesn’t make us look foolish”, we have lost the “suddenly” of God; the spontaneity of true spirit led worship.
Many have come to participate in Christian Thinking, rather than living a life of God pleasing faith. They can recite the creeds, the doctrines, and have all the correct answers to questions no one is asking.
Safe Christianity never needs to be concerned with wild fire.
4. Because church leaders have been so concerned about keeping their non-profit status, they are afraid to declare the word of the Lord.
Safe Christianity doesn’t agree with John the Baptist’s style of ministry. In fact, Safe Christianity doesn’t see eye to eye with any of the New Testament writers.
Safe Christianity is an enemy to New Testament Christianity. Safe Christianity will never win the world, or even a portion of it, to Jesus.
Oh sure, Safe Christianity will feed the poor and the homeless, build hospitals in third world countries, and embrace diversity with many hugs and kisses.
Which is all fine and dandy.
But if the Church, the one and only Body of Christ, is going to truly fulfill its mission of going and making disciples of Jesus, we’re going to need the real deal.
Not Safe Christianity.
Real Christianity is not safe!
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” (2 Timothy 3:12 ESV)
Jan Grace 