I often wonder who reads the ‘Faith’ column in the paper, that is, aside from me and the other contributors. I figure it must be people “of faith,” because we all have faith in something. (Even the choice not to believe in Jesus is faith in the assertion that He does not exist as God.)
I wonder why people read the ‘Faith’ column – are they looking to affirm their faith or find faith in something new? Ultimately, we are all searching for our truth. Some find Truth, others miss Him.
So, today, I write to those who already believe in Jesus, accept that He is the Son of God, and may follow Him. Extraneous readers, of course, are most welcome.
Consider the oxymoronic position one takes when one chooses to profess faith in Jesus and yet ignore His instruction. The contradiction is as obvious as a “John Key handshake” and just as gleeful to judging observers. So why?
Research House, Barna Group, spend their days analysing data that makes observations and commentary on the shifting metrics of Christian church demographics and activity. “What emerges [from over twenty years of research] is a nuanced portrait of people trying to figure out what faith means in the 21st Century and the role of Christianity in their lives.”
Even after Jesus left a playbook to help us live well, we are still trying to figure it out.
While the data I quote is American, I’d suggest the Te Awamutu data would be, at best, equitable, but most likely worse.
Barna cite that one in four persons surveyed were a ‘Practicing Christian,’ defining their unique measure combining three variables: “calling oneself a Christian, strongly prioritising faith and regular church attendance.”
What appears shocking to me is the reported ‘Non-Practicing Christian’ statistics at almost double that of those who practice. These respondents are self-confessed believers, but do not meet all three criteria to qualify as ‘Practicing.’
How can one profess something that is, by demonstrated behaviour, revealed to be in contrast to the stated position? That’s like someone saying they identify as a sheep when they carry human chromosomes.
What is revealed, to me, as oxymoronic is statistical reality for two-thirds of Christians. The data says, “I believe” when the action says, “I’m not committed to my belief.”
This is ambivalence in devotion.
The term “Christian” was first used in a city called Antioch (in Syria) some 14 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. A key point to note is that it was not a self-designated title, but rather a label attached to “Christ-ones” by those who observed their behaviour. Those tagged “Christian” were seen to live their lives of faith in Jesus demonstrably; obvious, undeniable, unmistakable, and verifiable.
Devoted worshippers of Jesus were followers of Jesus. These dedicated followers spoke of following “The Way” as that described their desire to live the way Jesus lived. My view is that is how you accurately describe a follower!
I recently finished reading John Mark Comer’s latest epistle, ‘Practicing The Way.’ In it he presents the case for followers – read “Christians” – to: i) be with Jesus, ii) be like Jesus, and iii) do like Jesus.
Christians! Let’s be not only believers, but those that emulate the One we say we’re devoted to. No ambivalence!
Phil Strong
As seen in TA News Thursday 11 April 2023