Friday, June 5, 2009

What do people say about us?

"Lex seqendi, lex credendi" meaning "the law of following is the law of belief." Ancient theologians came up with this important Latin phrase to remind people that true christian ethics and missions requires more than following a book of words and the writings of doctrine. Truth is centered in Jesus Christ and in following Him is Truth discovered. Christianity is about following Jesus. We must know and practice the Jesus of the Gospels.

So then, why do so many have such a low opinion of Christians today? Gandhi once said, "I like your Christ; I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." Others have the same opinion of the Church today. Listen to this research:
Jim Henderson made national news when he rented a person for $504 on e-Bay. He rented Matt Casper and they traveled around the country visiting churches. Henderson recorded Casper's unbiased point of view in his book, "Jim and Casper go to Church." Casper's summary of the experience was "there are so many glaring discrepancies among churches regarding what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. If they are all talking about the same Jesus then why does He look so different?" (Frost & Hirsch, Re-Jesus, p. 165)

So, what do people say about us? We are Christ followers, are we not? Would the outsider say we look and act like the Jesus of the New Testament? If they sat in on our commission meetings, business sessions, Bible studies or sermons would they say that we are seeking out and responding to the interests of Christ or closed minded defenders of our doctrine and tradition? A people of conditional or unconditional love? A people who stand firm on rules to the exclusion of relationship? Doers of the word or just mere readers/hearers of the text?

Church, it is time we get reacquainted with the Founder of our faith. As we search the heart of God for a three year strategic plan we must identify with the life and passion of Christ. Over the remainder of 2009 I ask you to focus your Bible study in the Gospels. To write down in a notebook the core truths you observe regarding the teachings and practice of Jesus. To implore God through prayer each day to make the words of Jesus your doctrine and His practice your expressions and testimony.

If you are serious about your reputation as a Christ follower then start asking some "big people" questions to others. Ask them, One, "What do you think of when you hear the word Jesus?" Two, "What comes to mind when you think of me?" What say you Christian ... R U willing to become vulnerable for the sake of Christ?

Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian

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