Living Eternally

I think it rather odd how I am affected by small things. I usually don't even realize just how affected I've been until much later when I'm able to look back.

"A Christian is someone who always does their best." - (I have no idea)

I've tried and tried, but I can't seem to remember where it was I heard that. But, hearing it left an impression on me years ago. Granted, there's a lot more to being a Christian than merely trying your best. But the idea has a beautiful sort of simplicity to it, doesn't it?

The term "Christian" is first coined in the Acts [11:26] which is all about the early church and their new Way of living. And, the early church had it ROUGH. They were being hunted and persecuted and executed and spat upon. To follow Christ in the days of the early church, you had to constantly do your best. Do your best to live righteously, act mercifully, think strategically, speak boldly, proceed cautiously, die valiantly. In the time immediately after Christ's resurrection and ascension, it was unpopular to be a Christian (to say the least). Unfortunately for the church and everyone who watches us, that fact has changed.

No longer is there such an intense dichotomy between the church and everyone else. Don't get me wrong, I do NOT want anyone to be killed for entertainment purposes because of a desire to serve Jesus Christ. However, if that sort of overwhelming pressure existed today, you can bet people would take their faith much more seriously. Instead, Jesus' name has been turned into a kind of brand name or platform. Time and time again, I've seen self-proclaiming Christians speak out in anger against political figures or causes or programs. I've watched award shows in which the musician, whose "parental advisory" toting album has just gone platinum, first thanks God for the success. I've lost track of how many foul-mouthed sports stars have paid homage to God during their victory dances.

It makes me wonder what sort of God we've been portraying. That the American public would find it fitting to credit this portrayal of God with such worldly concerns... it concerns me.

It is our job as the church to show each other and everyone else who our Lord is. And, I can't help but think that we've been miserably failing at it. And, if we're failing, it can only be for lack of trying. Isaiah [55:11] says that God's word does not return void but instead accomplishes the purpose God intends it for. So, if we speak the word of God into the lives of those around us, we can't help but further extend the reach of the kingdom of heaven. If we speak the word of God into the lives of those around us, we can't fail. If we try our best, we can't fail.

As a whole, we've been failing.

For me, the problem comes from a selfish desire to preserve the level of comfort of my social standing, even among my Christian brothers and sisters. While it may be acceptable in nearly all circles to claim a relational attachment to Christ, speaking the truthful candor of His words is regarded almost universally as uncouth. God's Word cuts to the quick of the spirit. Very few react positively to even the most gracious reproach. What's more, I've never considered myself particularly gracious... That tends to take the courage right out of me. I want to cling to my comfort zone. But then I reread Paul's writings.

In Colossians [3:16-17], Paul urges Christians to

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV)

Those are some lofty instructions from where I'm sitting. But, they really shouldn't be. Maybe it's because I grew up in a charismatic church, but I have trouble admonishing even my closest Christian peers. Then again, Paul never says, "teach and admonish... unless you're too intimidated". He urges us to have gusto. And, it makes sense. If I do my best, my actions will be bold simply because I am capable of boldness.

So, it's our job as Christians to call each other to live with higher standards. But, there's more. We are to do and say everything in the name of Jesus, living in a constant state of thanksgiving. In a nutshell, that's worship. Paul is telling us to do everything as an act of worship... Everything. That's big. If you're going to do everything as an act of worship, you'll have to always do your best. Think about it: if you're not doing your best, could you really call your action worship? Worship is a means of expressing those abstract attributes that describe a relationship with God: love, adoration, respect, reverence, joy, humility, meekness, boldness, passion, service. And, since we serve the Most High, the Almighty God, how could we offer anything less than our best?

This school year, I'll be striving to reclaim the name of Jesus for the glory of God, not the touting of success or bashing of corporate policies. I think everyone should be striving to do the same. We need to inject the passion of our best into the idea of Christianity. We've been apathetic for too long. I've been apathetic for too long...

I'm calling out myself and all of my Christian brothers and sisters. It's time we really started living out our best, always being thankful in the realization that we are limited in our time on this earth. It's time we started living eternally, differentiating ourselves from everyone else lacking in the strength and motivation and joy that comes from a full life with Christ. After all, we are the salt of the earth [Matthew 5:13].