Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be; is moderately important." ~ C. S. Lewis

 

Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."  

 

 

These words of C.S. Lewis are quite penetrating, aren't they? Unfortunately, far too many Christians live as if relationship to God and commitment to Christ is "moderately important." As I see it, the characteristics of a moderately faithful Christian are fairly evident.

• Worship is something one does as one can and as there is no other matter which interferes
• Devotional practices such as Bible study and prayer take a back seat to all the other things on one's daily calendar
• Supporting the Church with prayers, talents, and resources is an option not an expectation
• Seeking to be more like Jesus is a nice ideal but not something toward which one diligently works
• Prayerfully discerning God's will for one's life and one's primary decisions is a nice spiritual platitude but not a sincere discipline  

The question, of course, is where you stand in this spiritual equation. Is worship a high priority in your life? Do you consciously make time for regular devotional practices? Are you a faithful supporter of the Church and not just a member on the rolls? Are you seeking with God's help to be more like Jesus in all you say and do? Is doing God's will a primary focus of your life? Obviously, each of us has to answer these questions for ourselves.

 

The truth remains, however, that Jesus did not mince words when it came to what he considered the truth of faithful discipleship. Christianity is not first and foremost a set of beliefs but rather a heartfelt commitment to follow this Jesus; to want to be like him; to want to honor his name by the way one lives one's life; to diligently want to grow in an understanding of what he would have you do for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

 

I invite you to deep reflection on this matter; to sincerely reflecting on where you are in your faith journey. Are you playing Christian or being Christian? I'm sure this sounds somewhat harsh but eventually we each must come to grips with the truth that Jesus expects his followers to be just that . . . his followers!