The loudest voices aren’t right
The view of God offered by the loudest voices in Christianity right now is just not right. They have some repenting to do, and we must dismantle what is not truly reflective of God.
Popular “Christian” culture is anything but empowering. It tells us we are depraved. It tells us this world is a dangerous place. It tells us science is corrupt. It tells us anything outside of a strictly conservative church, a literal reading of the Bible, and a robust fear of the Devil himself is of the Devil. Furthermore, Christians in the public square do nothing about the lopsided distribution of wealth, the inherent negatives of capitalism, racism, and the objectification of women. They do not qualify their support of a narcissist, nor do they seem to mind that their fanatical fight against abortion is sending all of us toward authoritarianism and away from democracy.
This isn’t reflective of the Christ I know. The Christ I know is much harder to follow in fact. He demands more. And He’s actually a lot more fun.
Jesus expects us to use our minds, equipped with wisdom, able to spot the wolves and the snakes. He reminds us His grace is meant to empower us, enable us to figure out this wonderful world (including ourselves!), and work with Him to bring His Kingdom here, now. How to do this is written inside each of us (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 10:16). It is what makes us search for the deeper meaning and feel less-than until we find it (Him).
No, we’re not depraved; we’re deprived — it’s an important difference. Once we commit ourselves to knowing the Christ and throwing our lot in with His, that deprivation begins to ease, and we can feel it! It is exhilarating!
The loudest voices in Christianity right now are misguided ones. They are motivated by fear and fear insists on rigidity, duality, and narrow theology. The Christ I know doesn’t flinch in the face of fear nor has He given one inch of this earth over to evil. He is the Lion of Judah, the Shepherd, the Savior. He calls us to live as the Sermon on the Mount advises (Matthew 5-7) and ponder Him as we do so (effectively putting on His mind, Philippians 2:5) — without fear!
Before we can come to God and question Him about our suffering (or anything else!), we need to make sure we have the true face of God in mind.
Reflection
What is your image of God (including Jesus Christ)? How does this image conflict with what you think deep within yourself? Are you willing to put this conflict before God and allow God to show you who He (see note below) really is?
Prayer
Oh, Lord, even though I often feel worthless, I know from deep within me just how loved and worthy I truly am, just as I know the great worth of those around me. I am called to more! We are called to more! Help me to know You as You are, a God who has planted within us the wisdom, the way, and the grace we need to usher Your Kingdom in, here and now.
Note: The gender of God is a topic worthy of great thought. Since God created us both male and female, we know God appreciates and intends the blessings and differences of both, in all their array and spectrums. It is not, in my view, worthy of our focus if that focus distracts us from exploring and fulfilling the dictates of the Sermon on the M0unt, as Jesus Christ directed.
