Impractical Christianity

Pragmatism runs rampant in American Christianity. If faith does not "work," it lacks value. We expect prompt and measurable results from knowing Christ. Concrete, visible changes in our lives show that the gospel is relevant and its transforming power is for real: bad habits broken, strained relationships restored, church attendance figures on the rise, giving that's ahead of last year's. If you can't graph positive results, what is the point?

So begins this refreshing article from Christianity Today. The subtitle gives a major sense of the tone of the article: Faith really begins to make a difference when it stops 'working.' (Click on the title for the full article.)

Today I began the day feeling extremely tired. Tired in part because of a sleep deficit, but also tired of struggling against the very philosophy described in that opening paragraph I quoted. Tired of having to be measured in every aspect of my life against goals and standards that I more and more believe have little to do with true humanness. Tired particularly of this measuring against de-humanizing goals and standards being such an integral part of the life of the church. Wanting to cry out with the psalmist "How long, o LORD, how long?"

In reading this article I could feel God pouring Himself into me once again through the faithful words of his people. "You are not alone", He says, "for I have hundreds of servants who have not bowed the knee to Baal". And more than that: "I am with you. When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned. When you walk through the flood waters, they shall not overcome you."

Truly You are a God who hears our cries and heals our diseases. And even though you will indeed measure us all against Your own Holiness, with You there is mercy and compassion, that You may be feared. Amen