The Amazing Vanishing Cross

Convenient Spirituality or Committed Christianity

It seems that there is two schools of thought that are competing for the hearts and minds of those seeking salvation in Christ. There is a very loud and boisterous call that appeals to the lower instincts of a person and offers them an easy way out while still offering them a sense of the supernatural.

The great struggle between true commitment and convenience based concepts. You see it through out the Charismatic/Pentecostal ranks. You have those that are in touch with their feelings, but out of touch with what is important and others who are all about what is expected and bypass the necessary stirrings associated with faith. However there is a balance available.

The fine line of balance is something that is hard to define, for everyone thinks they are balanced. I of course being so bold to write on such a subject obviously think of myself as balanced, but that in itself highlights the true difficulty in finding balance, because we use our own lives and experiences to judge ourselves. Many times we use the foolish balance of comparing ourselves among ourselves. We must not fall for this foolish measure.

The true measure of spirituality is The Man that manifested himself in Flesh and yet was the embodiment of the Spirit of God. You may be committed as a Christian compared to a Sports Star Christian or a Television Celebrity Christian, but we know they are not the rule. I read an article in Charisma magazine the other day heralding “Christians” who are the actors on the Soap Opera’s found on midday television. I knew it was not a joke, because this magazine is pretty good at finding the most fringe and foolish topics to cover, and alas another example of this feel good journalism.

We must not allow ourselves to get swept into this feel good, mushy, politically correct, if you feel good about it fine, however you feel God leading you, spiritual babble to effect our Doctrines of Decency, Morality and Responsibility. I call it Doctrine on Purpose. It is the Doctrine of Christ and his Apostles.

I was told the other day of a church that encouraged divorce so that the spouse could be married to someone that the leadership viewed as more zealous. I read the other day in this same magazine about a Pastor who had committed a Homosexual act with the Youth Pastor and he was so “BOLD” to take a 90-day sabbatical, and when he returned to speak, he was greeted by his congregation with a standing ovation. Another pastor right here in Mississippi, pleaded guilty to rape, and now has over 100 people who think he makes a good pastor. Not infidelity, but RAPE. There was a lot of discussion about forgiveness, but no one talked about what the scripture teaches concerning those in leadership.

The reason why the world wants a morally weak ministry is because they do not want someone who can stand with their own moral authority and demonstrate a contrast of Integrity and Morality, because those in the pews are fake Christians too.

What is this all about?

Everyone these days wants to be “Spiritual”, but very few people want to truly be committed.

If you study the words of Christ when he spoke to those that were to follow him, he made the gate narrow, the way straight and the burden a cross of self-denial and discipline.

When you are dealing with “New Christians” you want to make it as simple as possible and as reasonable as you can, but at the end of the Day, they will have to choose what they want. Do they want Real Christianity, which is demonstrated in a life of commitment and distinction, or convenient spirituality that will mesh and mold to how you feel and what you like.

Let us stand in the way of the teeming masses beating their way down the Broadway pointed out by the Prophets of Profit, Ministers of Make-You-Feel Good, and hold up a banner of truth, love and a spirit of care that cannot be denied.

I have made up in my mind; I would rather live a life of commitment, than live in the shallow water of spirituality that is fitted to how I feel and what I like.

No matter what the most popular books and preachers are saying, Christ’s Word has not changed, you must forsake all, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow him, leaving behind family, friends, and those that will tell you it does not have to be that way.

Sounding the Clarion Call of Commitment!

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips

originally written
Jun 12 2002 12:07AM