Controversy

In Billy Graham’s book, Unto the Hills (Word, 1986), he makes this statement that I find quite controversial: “Our generation has become well versed in Christian terminology, but is remiss in the actual practice of Christ’s principles and teachings.”

Then, I read in God’s love letter to mankind in Psalms other controversial things like … “The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle. For you have rescued me from my trouble and helped me to triumph over my enemies. What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on pilgrimage.”

Our friends, John and Shannon, are here. It’s the first time the four of us have sat in my living room for over 2 ½ years. Most of our conversations center on the theme of what we see God doing in the world … and in our lives.

They are not perfect. My Chris and I are not perfect. We talk about how living out the practices and principles of Christ are a challenge, but one well worth the taking. We talk about how we know the terminology of faith but trying to live it out when the car breaks down or the computer crashes is difficult. We talk about the terminology of our true identity as believers and followers of Christ … but then how difficult it is to walk in that identify when we feel inadequate and unattractive (ok, that’s just Shannon and I because that’s a girl thing … this feeling unattractive. But, alas, that’s another blog!). Sadly, we talk about those who we’ve known that have ceased to or regressed in their journey with Christ. We talk about them with the sober reality that but for the grace of God we could be talking about ourselves.

Where, oh where are the followers of Christ that believe what the love letter from God claims as truth?

Where are those that believe that the Lord is strong and mighty? We settle, instead, for a God we say is strong and mighty but then we take it upon ourselves to be stronger and mightier and solve the problems with our own resources. It’s easier to slap down the credit card than to trust in a mighty God with unlimited resources.

Where are those that would declare that they’ve been rescued from trouble and triumphed over enemies? We settle, instead, for just getting by because it’s too much effort and personal sacrifice to really go deeper and find a permanent solution.

Where are those whose joy comes from the Lord and have set their minds toward following a radical God? We settle, instead, for fleeting joy from a pill, a bottle or a shopping spree and cloud our minds with cultural distractions, ignoring our inner cries of self longing and dissatisfaction.

I pray to a God I know created the universe yet I doubt His power in revealing Himself to my neighbor. I declare my devotion to a loving God that knitted me in my mother’s womb, and then wonder if He is able to balance my hormones. Pitiful … and yet so human.

I’m inclined to thinking it’s not the doubt that keeps us from discovering God, but in the midst of doubt, setting our minds on pushing through it and coming face to face with Him and discovering His power.

Where are those who would do the same? If we don’t, we lose everything. It’s time for us to wake up! Our status as blessing receivers and hoarders is quickly coming to an end. Radical living is called for … radical faith, radical joy, radical believe.

Taking it all in,
Christina