THE INDICTMENT – NOT ACTUALLY FOLLOWING JESUS

 

THE INDICTMENT – NOT ACTUALLY FOLLOWING JESUS

There are many people who claim the moniker of Christian but do not do the things commanded, taught and modeled by Jesus. They have their reasons and excuses. I have heard them and challenged them. They still insist they are followers of Jesus, and that they are ‘in the process’. They say their intentions are right but they are just not there yet. Hmmmmm.

There is an old saying: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”. This saying can mean several things to different people. For example, some people say the road to hell is paved with good intentions to mean that people often intend to do good things but in fact do not, often because they are lazy or weak. ‘She said the road to hell was paved with good intentions, that she really had decided to hand write six dozen personal letters, but she just didn’t have the time’. Or perhaps, The phrase “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” conveys that good intentions alone can lead to negative outcomes if not executed properly. It emphasizes that simply wanting to do good is insufficient; one must take appropriate actions to achieve positive results.

But this phrase is never more true nor can it have more glorious or tragic outcomes than when it is applied in a spiritual or Biblical context.

In order to establish my point most clearly, I would need first to review all the teachings and examples of Jesus as they are recorded in the Bible. But since that would simply take too much space and time here, I will begin with just a few of the most relevant, glaring and succinct examples.

WITHIN THE BODY OF CHRIST – THE CHURCH

Let me say that going to church can be a very good thing, but just going to church is just not enough.

One would think that within the Church they would find the teachings and examples of Christ on full display: love for another, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Everyone thinking more highly of others than of themselves. An attitude of ‘turning the other cheek’. Rejoicing when rejoice with those who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn, emphasizing the importance of empathy and community in our relationships. This call encourages believers to actively participate in the emotional experiences of others, fostering a deeper connection within the Christian community. If this were the case, we could all learn and be influenced to be more like Jesus. But by comparison, this is usually only found in small pockets of people who attend church, and who over time have become close knit. Sort of like the saying, “we four and no more” groupies. Sadly, churches can be and many times are someplace you can go and be alone in a crowd; A place where the pastor does not know your name and the ‘staff’ huddles together while you are left outside their circle. The only thing left is to ask, ‘what is wrong with this picture’?

OUTSIDE THE CHURCH

Jesus taught and modeled attitudes and behaviors. And finally, He gave the Greatest Command and the Great Commission. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul, and love others as yourself”. Then “Go, and make disciple of all the nations, teaching them all that I have commanded, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”.

This was not a command for a select few. It was for all of His disciples for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

(And as a means to clarify, the Spiritual Gifts are also given to us as a means of witnessing Christ Jesus to others. And not everyone has the same Spiritual Gift.)

Some as Prophecy – the ability to receive and communicate messages from God.

Some, Healing – the supernatural grace to restore health and perform miracles.

Others Teaching – the skill to explain and apply biblical truths effectively.

Leadership – the ability to guide and motivate others within the Church. Discernment- the gift of distinguishing between truth and falsehood, especially in  spiritual matters.

Faith – a strong confidence in God’s promises and power.

Evangelism – the ability to share the Gospel effectively.

Administration – the skill to organize and manage church activities and resources.

Exhortation – the gift of encouraging and uplifting others.

Giving – the ability to share resources generously.

Mercy – a compassionate response to those in need.

Hospitality – the gift of welcoming and serving others.

And we all have the ability, along the way, to tell others about the Person of Jesus.

The Bible reminds us that “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven”.

If you will take a close look at the early disciples and the early church, you will perhaps begin to see how they ‘turned the world upside down’ and even during times of great persecution, the church continued to grow exponentially.

AS THE CHURCH

So what now? Its seems that there was a time in America that the Church was influential for Christ and effective in its witness. But there is no going back. We have forgotten what is past. So we must go forward. And good intentions are just not good enough. We must really follow Him. But how?

HOW DO I – HOW CAN I?

The admonition in the Bible, repeatedly, first is to set your mind on the things above. Meditate on them; think on them; dwell on them, so you are being transformed to the image of Christ by the renewing of your mind. And by being reminded daily you will better be able to imitate Christ as you go.

FINALLY

If you want to go on the greatest and most meaningful adventure of your life – follow Jesus. Really follow Him.

If you want to see your church grow – be like Jesus inside your church building.

If you want to experience the joy and satisfaction of actually and successfully following Jesus, realize that He dwells within you. Let Him live. Let Him live through you, moment by moment!

Please, dear friend, let’s get this done.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: Going to church in and of itself does not make you a Christian. The Church is the Sanctuary where you can find some rest from the worries and troubles of the world. Use it that way!

The Church is a headquarters for strategic discipleship preparation. The world is your training ground.

The Church is where your spiritual family and friends congregate. Enjoy and spread that joy.

The Church is the Body of Christ in action. Be One.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

Additional Reading:

How To Be Sure You Are Really Following Jesus

You Must Deny Yourself

The Bright Red Line We All Must Cross