Friday, July 08, 2011
Half-baked Christianity
It’s faster, cheaper and easier – so why not? It’s lukewarm, tough, and very possibly loaded with dangerous bacteria – that’s why not! I’m referring to half-baked chicken. Like so many other foods, chicken can taste wonderful when prepared any number of ways, but it always needs to be thoroughly cooked. To save money, energy or time by undercooking chicken is a bad move.
Half baked Christianity is equally inferior. It not only fails the “Christian”, but it fails those who should be ministered to as well as the God who should be loved and honored. As a result of poorly practiced Christianity there are many people who have lost faith. Not because Christianity has failed people, but because people have failed to live it whole-heartedly.
Half-baked Christianity doesn’t call people to radical commitment. It doesn’t expect regular church attendance or a public confession of faith through baptism – the kind of conversion experience first century Christians experienced, where they were so overwhelmed with God’s Spirit that they “spoke with tongues.” (see Acts chapters 2, 8, 10 &19) Half-baked Christians no longer expect real miracles, physical healings and powerful moves of the Spirit. They shy away from firm convictions and authoritative preaching such as Peter and John the Baptist modeled.
When Christians attempt to practice their faith the easy way by going light on things like diligence, selflessness, obedience and commitment, the end result is disheartening. Half-baked Christianity is like a half baked Thanksgiving dinner: who wants chewy turkey, runny potatoes, watered down milk, and undercooked beans all topped off with soggy apple pie and a cup of lukewarm coffee?
When Jesus called people to follow him, he made it plain that the road would not be easy. He said, “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. (Matthew 10:37-39 NLT) When asked which commandment was greatest, he responded, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
True Christianity requires passionate prayer, raw faith, unreserved allegiance, and whole-hearted worship. To be a genuine Christian you have to fully commit, like when you hold your breath under water or sky dive. But the results are spectacular. Real Christianity changes lives, triggers miracles, promotes love, gives God great joy and brings deep settled peace. Fully baked Christianity is tasty and fulfilling, don’t settle for anything less.
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