In The News

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A REALITY CHECK


A recent study suggests that while the percentage of those professing to be Christians has dropped in the United States, there is an indication that others are taking their faith more seriously. This brings to mind the comment of a missionary, who observed that it as a rule takes three generations to produce a mature Christian. It occurred to me at the time, that if this is true, perhaps it takes a similar period of time for one to lose his or his Christian orientation. Not that this is always the case.
During the interim, between a vital Christian faith the loss of one’s Christian identity, there is what I think of as a cafeteria Christian. That is, one who accepts the Christian faith on a selective basis. As such, perhaps more a disciple of political correctness than Jesus’ teaching.
Those who rigorously persist in their Christian faith find current cultural trends less amenable to their convictions and lifestyle. Once assured of their freedom, they now find it seriously inhibited. While others seem less aware of the situation or welcome it.
The more some things change, the more others things appear constant. In the latter regard, Jesus said to his disciples: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). If anyone, regardless of the individual, but on condition that they would follow Jesus. Consequently, we should anticipate a mixed response.
“It is worthy of note that though the first two imperatives in this charge (deny, take up) are aorist (a Greek past tense indicating finality), the third (follow) is present. This would suggest definitive action the decision to enter into a life of discipleship and the necessity of continuing faithfulness in following through on a daily basis” (Robert Mounce, Matthew, pp.164-165).
Initially, there is the need for a decision to follow Jesus. This came about for me while serving in the military during World War II. While assisted by the chaplain, it was my decision and not his. Nor was anyone else insisting that I do so, or refrain from doing so.
My understanding of what was involved was decidedly limited. I assumed that prayer would be an essential feature, as well as familiarity with Scripture. As for the latter, I attempted without success to find a copy of the Bible, and settled for the time being with a Gideon New Testament. It subsequently occurred to me that I should fellowship with those of like faith. This gave rise to the realization that appearances can be misleading. I soon reasoned that if a follower of Jesus, I should in some manner extend his ministry—as the opportunity afforded itself.
Nor was it at the time a highly emotional experience for me. It was not until I laid down on my bunk that evening that I sensed an astonishing peace with God. It was something that I could not have previously imagined. However, I did not suppose that the circumstances of life would necessarily be altered as a result. I would still have to carry on the work assigned to me, not uncommonly with persons who irritated me, but with God’s amazing grace. Such proved to be the case.
Then what? As expressed by S. Sudar Singh, “No turning back, no turning back.” In greater detail, “Though I may wander, I still will follow. No turning back, no turning back.” In still greater detail, “The world behind me, the cross before me. No turning back, no turning back.”
Conditions aside. By way of example, “Though none go with me, still I will follow. No turning back, no turning back.” Then by way of invitation, “Will you decide now to follow Jesus? No turning back, no turning back.”
In terms of the present situation, when some no longer profess a Christian faith, pursue it relentlessly. Thus join those of like persuasion. If demeaned for doing so, persist in our resolve. If threatened, do not relent. Except martyrdom if this should be imposed. Thus in the form of a reality check from a Christian perspective.

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