Christian Living

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October 11, 2011 – Half-Calorie Christianity
I warn and counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church) as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded): Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation). – 1 Peter 5:1-3 AMP
These words by Peter to church leaders are far from friendly advice. They are instead a warning to leaders to behave themselves. The problem is that many church leaders have been so busy burping up sunshine every day that it has led to a new epidemic which Marlo saw in a news wire today. They are calling it Gospel Lite. We have all seen it for years and now someone has given it a name. Pretty catchy, huh?
Marlo ran across this term today because a nationally known pastor is under fire again. He evidently has a problem standing on Scripture. Now I am by no means picking on this single pastor, because I have seen this Diet Christianity sweep its way to several corners of the country. Pretty soon this could be its own denomination and they will have their own commercials on television and radio. “Come on over and try Christianity Lite’s new church right off the interstate. We only use half of the Bible so you’re not weighed down or burdened in any way. We won’t even preach to you about your sin, because hey, that’s your business.”
That’s why today’s passage is a warning to church leaders. Sure, church leaders are not supposed to get cocky, arrogant, and dictatorial in their respective offices. Many times they do. I have been on the receiving end of plenty of the lies and manipulation of pastors over the years. But it is also a warning to church leaders on the flip side: those who are all smiles and laughter every minute they are in front of someone other than family members. These guys are not confrontational and stand for absolutely nothing. When put on the spot about serious issues confronting Christians today, i.e. homosexuality, disciplining children, or even sin in general, they skirt around the issue better than a seasoned politician. This completely goes against what Peter says: church leaders are to be models of Christian living to the congregation. And being that model requires that the leaders of churches not only stand by the Bible but live it out every day. Failure to do so is a failure to those they are supposed to shepherd.
It seems to me that these half calorie Christian leaders are treating the Bible like the old saying of “take the good and leave the bad.” That is very dangerous. The Bible is full of instructions and they are all meant to be followed. Just because some Scripture would seem to go against the thinking of society does not mean that they are bad and should be ignored. All the instructions are in those pages in black and white (except those that have Jesus’ words in red) so that we can identify sin in our life and live lives pleasing to God. And contrary to a somewhat popular movement, following all the instructions will not leave us weighed down and burdened. It will leave us lighter than air, forgiven, and never wanting the diet version again.

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