"Christianity-LITE"

To look at the Christian life today...we have it made. Well most of us anyway. Comfort. Peace. Tolerance. AND... a washed out expectation of Faith.

I look around me and see so many who simply dont reach GREAT, because the effort is not necessary in order to be viewed as "good enough." We settle into our couch of complaisency and bury our heads and hearts in the sand and just show up enough to keep the "look" of Christian.

Well...let me tell you. I too have been guilty of this. However, today I read a quote that convicted me to the core.

Do I (you) "shine so brightly among the Gray of the spiritual pack" that we display an authentic walk with Christ? Or are we another "christian?"

Lobdell notices this and makes this statement casually as an observance, however, it should stir your spirit to think you may fit this description. Do you? Do I?

If so. I think the new version of Christianity is "Christianity-LITE." Where you can accept all the perks to the status...while leaving the hard stuff out. Not feeling convicted or compelled by what the TRUE Christian life calls you to.

So, in the words of Lobdell, are you living "Christian-LITE" - "a feel-good brand of faith that doesnt extend much past Sunday morning?" Or are you living the life God has called you to?

Losing my Religion

I went to the bookstore last night to pick up a replacement for my 12 year old Bible that I can't seem to part with. As a side note-I will forever treasure this particular Bible. (The old one) It holds some of the best moments, toughest lessons and the most desperate pleas written in its margins.



Anyway, while I was at the bookstore I was AMAZED by the number of people who treated the "religion" section with foreign curiosity. I heard statements like "these are Bibles." "What is this section?" "Inspiration? For what?" Obviously I wasn't at LifeWay. ha

I began to look around at the organization of the "religion" section. (Are you surprised?) Bibles...Inspiration...Daily Life...Fiction...Theology...and then various specific religions. I was caught off guard to see the section entitled "Atheism."

Honestly - and not at all disrespectfully - I am curious...Do you think those who don't believe in ANY God would resent being shelved in "Religion?"

As I pondered my attention was captivated. An eerie trail of smoke danced through the lettering of a black cover with a narrow crisp title: "Losing My Religion."

Those who know me- know why this title would entice me. (For those who don't, I think often times "religion" can deteriorate our relationship with God, it can destroy faith by the rules, deception, interpretation and separation. Faith is about GOD, not about the How to.) Anyway...Before I knew it, I was parked between Catholicism and Scientology sitting "cris-cross-applesauce" beginning Chapter 2.

My mind was intrigued - my heart was BROKEN to hear this man;s autobiography set up for the 300ish pages to follow. With Christianity today it is a wonder anyone wants God. I know-"God shaped holes," liefs troubles and living in the "Bible-belt...yadah yadah yadah. But take an long hard honest look at Christianity today. There is no SET APART, there is no loyal commitment. It is whitewashed and easy, take it or leave it. Why would any one want that??

We call it personal - but many seem to only practice it publicly (church)
We refer to the relationship - But some rarely talk to Him (Prayer)
We claim salvation - but so many live as slaves to their former life.
We state we love and yet bitter disregard saturates our daily interactions.

So...I bought the book. Not because I agree with the mans beliefs. I bought it because I have to know: Did this man lose his "religion" or did he lose his God?? And also because I want to be challenged to take an honest look at my own life and see if the way I choose to live would cause others to "lose their religion."

Hypocrisy is such a hard thing to watch. Such a sad destruction and a matter that distracts nonbelievers and believers the same. AND truly breaks the heart of our God!!