Redefining the Defined

I began reading a new book today entitled “UnChristian: What a new generation really things about Christianity” by David Kinnaman. This book seeks to answer one of the many problems that bug me the most about being a Christ-follower and a minister. The question of, “What is holding the Church back from reaching the lost?”

Now one of the first observations made by Kinnaman is how we label these “lost” people. I must admit I am guilty of using the normal church jargon of ‘lost’, ‘non-Christian’, ‘non-believer’, or ‘outsider’. Thus I, like many believers, define these people as what they are not or as how we (Christians) view them. In reflection this does not seem scriptural. Kinnaman adds, “Labeling people can undermine our ability to see them as human beings and as individuals” (Kinnaman, 2007, Pg. 17). So how should we indentify this group of people? We need only look to Jesus.

“O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?” (Matthew 17:17).

Within the context this statement, found in the middle of Matthew 17:14-23, extends beyond the man making the plea and the inability of the disciples. It rests on everyone in the “crowd’. Today that “crowd” is us. Jesus clearly acknowledges the human problem of disbelief and today we still suffer with the same disbelief. We have the same (if not more) knowledge of Jesus’ healing, redemption, and life. However just like these individuals, we lack the ability to use this knowledge to strengthen our faith and bring others into Jesus’ healing presence.

So how do we change? Well first we must change in how we see ourselves in relation to others. Christians have defined themselves as ‘the saved’, ‘the chosen’, ‘the possessors of knowledge’, and many other feel good terms. What we forget is that we are the “unbelieving and perverse generation”. Paul says this in the most humbling way I have ever encountered; “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Placed in relation to Jesus’ assertion that his followers should, “be perfect, therefore, as you heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48), Christians should be the first to acknowledge our short-comings and our great ineptitude as humans.

So what do we have to offer?

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).

These truly are the GREATEST COMMANDMENTS. The Christ-follower today must go about redefining themselves by these short three verses.

Redefining the defined. A Christ-follower is redefined through their complete Love for God. This Love acknowledges all short comings and ineptitude in ourselves, thus allowing Jesus’ healing, redemptive, life giving sacrifice cover us in grace. So who becomes the ‘lost’, the ‘non-believer’, and the ‘outsider’? Well this encompasses everyone; including us and our “neighbors”; but through Christ we can all find love and healing in Chirst’s arms.

Reference:

Kinnaman, David & Lyons, Gabe. (2007). UnChristian: What new generation really thinks about Christianity…and why it matters. Baker Books. Grand Rapids, MI

~ by Brad Raburn on May 22, 2008.