We Need a Paradigm Shift
I once heard Charles Stanley on UCB say:
“…there’s nothing spectacular God can do with a cosy Christian, one that only seeks to be cool, wants no challenge but simply want to get to heaven in the end.”
The beautiful risk of believing
In my previous post, I wrote about risk – the need for us to take the right risk. Charles is right. If all of life is risk, then the Christian life cannot be an exception.
mugley / Foter / CC BY-SA
John Piper once wrote of a preacher who referred to the Christian call this way:
“When you came to Christ, you responded to a call to come and die.”
It took me some time to process that one but I finally got it. The surrendered life is not without challenges; it’s risky. Faith is risky, but beautifully so.
The need precedes the provision
I’ve read the Bible over the years and while I believe God promises His children grace, He doesn’t promise us comfort. Certainly not our definition of ‘comfort’.
Does He promise to deliver us from troubles? Sure!
Does He promise to deliver us from the fire? Yes!
Does He promise help in time of need? Absolutely!
But notice what comes first… troubles, fire and need before He steps in!
Until there’s a need, there’d be no miracle. Until there’s a challenge, mountains won’t be moved. Share this
What’s wrong with us?
We naturally claim sonship but are slow to take on responsibilities.
We crave for the King’s provisions but not share in His burdens.
We love the love of the Father, but not the trials of the Master.
We readily covet the blessings of God but deny the demands of His Christ.
What’s wrong with us?
A paradigm shift is what we need
I’m very grateful for Charles Stanley’s words. It brings me perspective. I want them to challenge you too. Unless we are wrecked, we may never experience the true Christian joy or live in true grace.
Are you willing to give up ease and embrace risk? Are you willing to talk less and do more? Are you willing to receive less from others and give more?
Are you willing to change your world? Only a paradigm shift can make that happen.
We must change before we can bring change. Tweet
What do you think is ‘wrong’ with contemporary Christianity?
About Joseph Iregbu
From a homeless, near-school-dropout to living a story worth telling. Purpose is my passion. What's your story?
I think that modern Christianity, generally speaking, has forgotten its beginnings and has lost where it’s going. We seem to be lost in the middle ground of comfort. We forget the extreme trials our forefathers experienced in spreading the gospel to the world, and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, and we’ve also forgotten that He is coming again soon to take stock of what He gave us after His ascension. That being said, I have also witnessed a general stirring in my generation for truth and selflessness with a kingdom mindset. We aren’t where we need to be, but I believe God is stirring up revival in the hearts of some. It encourages me.
There are sobering truths in your words. Very thought-provoking (we’ve also forgotten that He is coming again soon to take stock of what He gave us after His ascension)
Great post Joesph. Jesus never said this life would be easy (in fact He said we’d have much trouble); but he did say he’d be with us!
Well said!
Loaded question at the end.
I’ve read a few books by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, he talks a great deal about suffering for Christ. I highly recommend, “The Cost of Discipleship” (keep in mind, he was martyred by Hitler).
You know Dietrich was actually the preacher that I quoted via Piper and that’s the book he referred to. Thanks TC. (didn’t know he was martyred)
One can learn so much from his life (and death) about serving Christ and giving all.
The best bio I’ve read on him is by Eric Mexatas, http://www.amazon.com/Bonhoeffer-Pastor-Martyr-Prophet-Spy/dp/1595552464
I really encourage you to read it.
I’m not quite comfortable with your question, as I’d prefer to discuss what’s “right”. However, I think we can be more transparent in our struggles instead of pretending we’re doing “well”. We’re afraid of judgement, and we’re afraid of how others will think largely in part because of past responses, and a lack of support/authenticity from others who’ve struggle before us.
That’s exactly my intention; make us uncomfortable. The whole thought process that went into the post made me uncomfortable but it’s such inconvenience that we definitely need. Sometimes we need to pause and ask hard questions. You correctly highlighted some key points.