Is Moral Christianity Enough?
Guest Writer: Meet my friend Shana Schutte. We are blessed to have her as our guest writer.
Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3
I once heard someone use the phrase “moral Christianity” to describe what they believe is the current temperature of faith in America, and it grieved me. Moral Christianity points people toward godly—or moral—answers without pointing them toward Christ. It shows people how to live by good rules without showing them how to be disciples of the Good Shepherd.
Don’t misunderstand me. There is nothing wrong with teaching others to live by godly principles. We are told to share God’s truth. And after all, God’s Word is our instruction manual for a god-honoring, holy life. It’s a light for one’s path (Psalm 119:105). But there is something wrong with teaching “moral, do-good Christianity” without showing others how to connect with the Savior. If we simply do what’s right without being disciples of the Author of Life, we may look more like the unbelieving Jews or the Pharisees than the disciples.
In John 5:39-40 Jesus said to the Jews . . .
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”
Knowing truth and knowing the Author of Truth are two entirely different things—and only one of them leads to the life we desperately need. Knowing the right answers will not transform you. Going to church alone will not transform you. Being religious will not transform you. Only being in right relationship with Christ while you experience these things will transform you. I’m sharing this because over the past couple of years, the Lord has been repeatedly reminding me that good principles minus relationship with the Savior are empty. I have been asking myself, “Shana, does what you share cause others to want Jesus, not just want to do the right things or have a better life so they can be more comfortable?” If I only offer moral Christianity without pointing you to Christ, what good am I honestly doing?
People who are experiencing war overseas, divorce in the United States, and death in their families don’t need to know just good principles without knowing the Prince of Peace. They need to know the One who gave them life, not just how to live. To give them good principles without pointing them to The Truth is dishonoring to the Lord—and offers a balm to the wounded that does not heal. What does this have to do with you? A lot, actually. Just like me, you are preaching a sermon with your life. You may not be standing in a pulpit or putting words on a page. But every day, you are a witness for Christ. Will you merely show others what it means to be a moral, religious Christian—or will you demonstrate what it looks like to intimately walk with the Savior?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, through intimately walking with you, I have the awesome privilege of bringing your light to a broken world. Oh, Jesus, teach me to know you more intimately.
~Wisdom Hunters Devotional~
Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3
I once heard someone use the phrase “moral Christianity” to describe what they believe is the current temperature of faith in America, and it grieved me. Moral Christianity points people toward godly—or moral—answers without pointing them toward Christ. It shows people how to live by good rules without showing them how to be disciples of the Good Shepherd.
Don’t misunderstand me. There is nothing wrong with teaching others to live by godly principles. We are told to share God’s truth. And after all, God’s Word is our instruction manual for a god-honoring, holy life. It’s a light for one’s path (Psalm 119:105). But there is something wrong with teaching “moral, do-good Christianity” without showing others how to connect with the Savior. If we simply do what’s right without being disciples of the Author of Life, we may look more like the unbelieving Jews or the Pharisees than the disciples.
In John 5:39-40 Jesus said to the Jews . . .
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”
Knowing truth and knowing the Author of Truth are two entirely different things—and only one of them leads to the life we desperately need. Knowing the right answers will not transform you. Going to church alone will not transform you. Being religious will not transform you. Only being in right relationship with Christ while you experience these things will transform you. I’m sharing this because over the past couple of years, the Lord has been repeatedly reminding me that good principles minus relationship with the Savior are empty. I have been asking myself, “Shana, does what you share cause others to want Jesus, not just want to do the right things or have a better life so they can be more comfortable?” If I only offer moral Christianity without pointing you to Christ, what good am I honestly doing?
People who are experiencing war overseas, divorce in the United States, and death in their families don’t need to know just good principles without knowing the Prince of Peace. They need to know the One who gave them life, not just how to live. To give them good principles without pointing them to The Truth is dishonoring to the Lord—and offers a balm to the wounded that does not heal. What does this have to do with you? A lot, actually. Just like me, you are preaching a sermon with your life. You may not be standing in a pulpit or putting words on a page. But every day, you are a witness for Christ. Will you merely show others what it means to be a moral, religious Christian—or will you demonstrate what it looks like to intimately walk with the Savior?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, through intimately walking with you, I have the awesome privilege of bringing your light to a broken world. Oh, Jesus, teach me to know you more intimately.
~Wisdom Hunters Devotional~
No comments:
Post a Comment