Christian/Believer/Christ Follower...whatever you want to call it

This has been the most important decision of my life...that of confessing I'm a sinner and need a Savior. Generally, I have no problem owning it directly if need be, but more often than not, I find I'm more of an "undercover" operative. I am like Paul - I am all things to all people so that I may win some to the cause of Christ (totally paraphrased). Whether it's prefaced with "the Bible says" or "Jesus said" or "God says" or if it's woven in without, the Truth is the Truth regardless. His Word doesn't return void.

Where I fall short, and this is where fear comes into play, is sharing my beliefs about controversial topics. Perhaps first and foremost, is the question of whether Christianity is the only true religion. Before I delve into this idea, I must first make the disclaimer that I prefer the idea of relationship to that of religion. Christianity is the only belief system that points out our inability to reach God. We cannot because of our sins. If we say we are basically good, then how do we compare with Mother Theresa or Gandhi? What makes it different is the idea of a Savior. All other religions require man to make his way to God. Christianity is God reaching out to save us.

There are many Christians today who believe otherwise. These brothers and sisters see many paths to God. I want to share my beliefs to offer another way of thinking. I believe the nation of Israel in the Old Testament was a foreshadowing of the New Testament Church. The OT is replete with admonishments from God not to get involved with other nations, worship their gods, or participate in their practices. He was calling them to be holy, a fancy word for "set apart." The call is still the same today. We are to be "in the world but not of it." We are to be "holy, even as He is holy."

Having said that, I see some believers who tolerate, support, or even encourage those who are seeking truth in other religions or belief systems. Where is the concern for where they will spend eternity? Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me." Do we believe this? If not, then what else can be dismissed in our faith?

I'm not talking about a converation laden with blame, guilt, coersion, and the like. Imagine yourself in a relationship with the most wonderful person. Always forgiving, always loving (unconditionally, no less), always looking out for your best interests and succeeding, always there with you, no matter what you're facing. You can't ask for anything better. Now, you have a friend that is involved with a less-than-desirable partner. A cheat, a liar, a user. Inflicts unnecessary burdens and is a relentless task master. How would you approach this friend? Tell him or her not to settle? Tell them what they can look forward to in a real relationship? Of course, these kinds of talks take all shapes and forms. Let the Lord lead.

While it's true that Christianity and other belief systems may share some similarities, I believe that Christianity is the baseline from which to measure the others. I believe that Truth can be found in many different, unexpected places. That doesn't mean that we run to those places looking for more. We have the saving Truth we need in Christianity. 

Here's my caveat...I cannot even begin to understand God's soveriegnty, His love, His righteousness. Because He loves us all and He desires that none perish, He may very well have His ways all planned out to incorporate every last man, woman, and child in His kingdom. Until He reveals that to me in this world, I will choose to hold as Truth that Jesus is the only way to be saved.

Facing the Fear

It's been ages since I've even thought of expressing myself in writing, let alone actually did something about it. Wait a sec, that's not quite true. I've often thought of speaking out on facebook about how I choose to live my life or weighing in on such heavy issues as politics, same sex marriage, and the like.  So why did I not follow through? The most dastardly of emotions...fear! 

So much of my life I've lived from a place of fear and the need for self-protection. My behavior has often been driven by a belief that I am not acceptable for who I am. That, in fact, I will be judged by what I do and will be found lacking. It has been difficult at times to hold on to my true identity as a child of God. That, and that alone is what makes me worthy. It is not me, but Christ within me, that makes me "right" with God and therefore, it does not need to matter what others think. That's actually easy for me to say, but difficult to implement in my own life, especially when I have no evidence to back up my claims that I am right with God in my life's choices.

The fear creeps in unnoticed, insidious in its ability to appear as nothing but smoke or shadows. I find myself avoiding anyone from whom I feel the need to hide parts of myself. The result? I become more and more isolated from others. As this happens, my anxiety kicks in and shame is soon to follow.

These two are my red flags that my thinking has become seriously skewed. As I trace them back to the original fear, I have to examine what triggers the fear. This most recent episode can be tied directly to a conscious choice I made early in August. This choice has left me in a position of potentially having to defend myself, something that I've avoided throughout my life as well. Why should others be allowed to judge my decisions without understanding that I take nothing lightly when it is controversial. I pray about it. I look for understanding in scripture. I talk about it with the man God brought to me. I seek out counsel from others at times. Most importantly, if I don't receive a direct yea or nay when facing a choice, I make the most humble decision I am capable of. That's right, I said humble. I make my choice with the attitude of openness. I remain open to the very great possibility that I could be waaaayyyyy wrong and please, Lord, show me the truth.

So I think that in an effort to put this repeated pattern to rest, I need to come clean about who I am, the way I live my life, and why.

                                                                  Stay tuned...