Three Challenges of a Christian

   I was impressed and challenged by a message my brother Merle preached this summer titled Three Challenges of a Christian. These are not three obvious sinful acts but insidious ways we can get off center and veer off the path. Here are some excerpts from his message.

1. Nominalism

   People who are nominal Christians may do all the things we would expect a Christian to do. They adhere to a religious system and learn the behaviors they need to practice in order to be accepted and approved by the group. They know what words to use or not use, what to wear and not wear. They meet the group's expectations and appear to be doing well. However, it is all external behavior with little happening in their hearts.

   Too many Christians are going through the motions of what they feel a Christian should do, but without any deeply felt heart emotions. They are missing out on so much. The Christian faith is not about what we do but about our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

2. Individualism

   Individualism is a focus on self and what is good for me. It is the idea that I need to take care of myself and make sure I get what I want or need. Individualism in spiritual matters results in a person who serves God only because of what they feel God does for them. It brings a consumer mentality to matters of faith. I am willing to invest in matters of faith and a relationship with Christ as long as the return on my investment is working for me and in my favor.

  Individualists focus on the idea that if they faithfully serve God, He will bless them and things will go well for them. This mentality puts me in control. If I behave a certain way, I can manipulate God to do what I want. It also reduces the Christian life to a business arrangement. I have a contract with God. If I do my part He is obligated to serve me. 

   Our relationship with Jesus Christ should not be a "what's in it for me?' but "what can I do for You?" If we love Him we will want to please Him. We will serve Him gladly, not expecting anything in return.

3. Minimalism

   Minimalism is an effort to keep things to a bare minimum. In spiritual matters, this is often expressed as a desire to minimize the expectations of Christians down to just what are salvation issues. The question is often asked, "Is this a salvation issue?" or "do people who do this go to heaven?" The idea is that if we can go to heaven without doing something, then we need not make an effort to do it. Or perhaps it is something that people are asked not to do, but there will be people in heaven who did it. Why do we require things or forbid things that are not salvation issues?

   The minimalist makes several false assumptions about Christian faith. First, they assume the objective of the Christian is getting into heaven. But the goal of the Christian is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. If we reduce the Christian experience to just getting into heaven, we miss the joy of an intimate, ongoing relationship with Christ in this life.

    The second false assumption the minimalist makes is that only those things that are salvation issues are things that please God. There are things that please or displease God that are not salvation issues. Our desire as Christians is to please God because we love Him and want to glorify Him. 

   Why is there pressure to do just the bare minimum spiritually? We don't take that approach to our marriages or employment. Why do we want to do the bare minimum spiritually? Is it because of a lack of a relationship with Christ?

   We live in a society that has a spiritually deadening effect, promotes Individualism, and distracts us from a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Let us live with spiritual passion, strive to please God, and enjoy our relationship with Him.