The Beginning of the End for Casual Christianity
The writing is on the wall for those who would claim the name of Christ without also claiming the reproach of Christ. For generations Christianity has been populated to one extent or another by those who desire a casual religious experience. They want to feel good about themselves and feel like they have met their responsibility in the sight of God. Casusal Christianity often centers on the idea of doing ‘good’. This is evidenced in the growing number of churches that focus on social and political agendas. In many instances churches have become places where people assemble and pool resources to cause change rather than be changed. Being an agent of change is not a bad thing. Churches should be characterized as entities that change society. However, above all else, churches should be characterized as entities that change people through the power and love of an all mighty God. Social change is a product of a healthy church, but it is not the chief end. The chief end of a church is the same as the chief end of all individual people, “Glorify God, and enjoy Him forever.”(Westminster Shorter Catechism) A church simply enables individuals to achieve this end more effectively. With current political agendas becoming more and more hostile toward churches that maintain scriptural authority, churches will be pressured to change. This change is evident already among many churches that have Christian and Baptist in the name. It is a subtle but real change. When given a chance to be salt and light increasing amounts of churches are choosing to remain silent. These churches face the risk of becoming Christian in name only. When a church denies the truths that Christ Himself taught and affirmed how can it continue to be called Christian?
Not all change is bad. There is also the potential that Christian Churches can experience revival in the face of opposition. James 1:2 reminds us, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials”. Casual attenders will be forced to decide how important attending a Christian church is. If these casual attenders choose to commit themselves fully to the cause of Christ the church will be strengthened immeasurably.
With greater difficulty comes greater opportunity. As Christian morality becomes less acceptable it will be more obvious when Christian morality is practiced. In simple terms Christians will stand out from an increasingly secular world. This can be observed throughout history. Christianity has flourished as a minority, and even when persecuted. In difficult times detractors of Christianity must acknowledge that Christians behave in a way that is abnormal. Paul is an excellent example of this concept. While imprisoned in Rome he evangelized all those he came into contact with. Paul closes his letter to the Philippians with the words, “All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household”. While imprisoned with the threat of death hanging over him, Paul had converted family members of the most powerful person in the world. It would be foolish to seek out persecution, but it would be equally as foolish to fear persecution. As we see our country becoming less Christian we must remember to see this undesirable trend as an opportunity.
