Grace and Growth

It’s interesting that when you talk to Christians you get such a different view of life. We really look at life through a different set of lenses than the world at large does. I am becoming more convinced though, of the factor of growth in the Christian’s life, because I’ve met so many at different points in their walk. But sometimes we forget that the grace we’ve received from God needs to be transmitted to other people through our hands. I think this is what leads to the charge among many non-believers that the church is full of hypocrites, one way or the other.

First, people outside the walls of the church see a group calling themselves followers of Christ and notice there are various forms of behavior that don’t jive with the speech. In other words, they see behavior at odds with our profession of faith in Christ. Sometimes our walk does not appear to be very holy.

Second, when someone comes into the church we somehow expect that there is going to be an overnight change in behavior. Sometimes this does happen…I’ve seen alcoholics lay a bottle on the altar and never go back. But often the process is a bit slower. Someone comes into the church and people start grumbling about how they smoke or go to bars. Certainly these are not behaviors we condone. Nevertheless, what they may not see is that the person has overcome some tremendous sin in their life and the smoking and drinking, bad as they might seem, are minor in comparison. Eventually those will disappear, but for right now they need the grace of God administered through our hands. I’m reminded of my dogs at home. When they poop in the kitchen I don’t like it under any circumstances, but when they at least hit the paper I praise them! Maybe we’ve forgotten what it feels like to be a new Christian. Maybe that in itself is reason for us to go to our knees.

Third, sometimes we do have cases in the church where the grace of God is not tied to repentance. When someone is in the midst of witness-destroying behavior and claims that God’s grace covers it all, there is a problem. They do not acknowledge that repentance is needed. It is important to remember that without repentance, there is no forgiveness. You cannot be in the middle of sin and simply expect God to keep whitewashing it. We do not keep sinning to display God’s grace, Paul was clear on that in Romans 6:1-2 ( “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” ) Growth demands change, and Satan is happy if he can keep a Christian stagnant.

As a pastor I walk this line all the time. I see sin in people’s lives, but I have to consider the whole person, where they come from and how far along the journey they are. Do I say something now, or wait? How can I show this person God’s grace? How can I help them, not push them away?

The important thing to remember is to talk the talk, but walk the walk, too. Without the one, the other means nothing.

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It's a mystery!

George Carlin used to do a skit based on some of his experiences in the Catholic Church. According to him the answer to some questions was just a simple, “It’s a mystery!” in the inimitable Carlin voice. I’ve found that that actually is a good answer for a few things, especially around the church. Other times it is an answer, but a frustrating one.

As a holiness preacher I stress that theology is something that has to be applicable to real life or it is useless. It has to be something that affects you not only on Sunday morning, but every moment of everyday. But some people’s actions are a mystery to me.

Why is it that some people who call themselves Christian still align themselves in every area of life with the world so thoroughly? Without bringing politics into the equation (there is room in the church for all political parties) I know “Christians” who think it is fun to drink alcohol and get intoxicated. I know “Christians” who like recreational drugs. I know “Christians” who are not married, but are living with someone of the opposite sex with whom they are involved romantically. I know “Christians” who think being homosexual is ‘natural’ and ‘just a different lifestyle’. I know “Christians” whose favorite entertainment is R-rated. I know some “Christians” who regard the church as their own private playground. I know "Christians" who haven't opened their Bible in a long time, nor have they prayed. I know "Christians" who have a job, but think tithing is giving $5 a month in the offering plate. I know some “Christians” who display emotional animosity towards certain classes or ethnicities of people. I could go on and on. Some “Christians” I know embody several of the foregoing attitudes and characteristics.

How can a person who reads the Bible not follow the commands and principles it contains? How can a follower of Jesus Christ discount His words so blithely? There's an old saying that, "Being in a church doesn't make you a Christian, in the same way that being in a garage doesn't make you a Chevy".

In one sense, “it is a mystery”. In another, it is no mystery at all. People simply put their own attitudes and opinions above those of Scripture. And what is that called? Idolatry! They worship themselves. Their thoughts and opinions are above those of God.

Let’s be crystal clear. You may not agree with everything in Scripture, but if you are going to be a follower of Christ you MUST comply with what He tells us in the Bible. If the Bible says not to have sex before marriage, then don’t do it! If the Bible says to respect your elders, then respect your elders! If the Bible says to support your church, then contribute your tithe, pray for your church, lend your time and talents.

There is a growth curve to Christian maturity. If you’ve been a believer for awhile you should see yourself being transformed into a more and more Christ-like person. If this is not happening, then you need to find out why. There is a sin, maybe more than one, blocking your spiritual development. A person who is actively and willingly involved in sin, as defined by the Bible and not you, cannot be a spiritually healthy Christian.

And frankly, if you decide that the Bible is a bunch of fairy tales and your opinions matter more than Scripture, then don’t call yourself a Christian, because you are not. You're just giving the rest of us a bad name.

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