George Barna, in his book The Seven Faith Tribes talks about how most people seem to be viewing discipleship…being a follower of Jesus. He calls it “casual Christianity.” Barna writes:
“Casual Christianity is faith in moderation. It allows them to feel
religious without having to prioritize their faith. Christianity is a low-risk,
predictable proposition…providing a faith perspective that is not demanding. A
Casual Christian can be all the things that they esteem: a nice human being, a
family person, religious, an exemplary citizen, a reliable employee – and never
have to publicly defend or represent difficult moral or social positions or
even lose much sleep over their private choices as long as they mean well and
generally do their best. From their perspective, their brand of faith practice
is genuine, realistic and practical. To them, Casual Christianity is the best
of all worlds; it encourages them to be a better person than if they had been
irreligious, yet it is not a faith into which they feel compelled to heavily
invest themselves.”
Is that what Jesus really expects? Is that the right foundation? Do you
think that’s what He died on the cross to produce in us as His people? When Jesus
called His first disciples He said, “Follow
me” (Mark 1:17, NASB). When Jesus was describing a lifetime of being His disciple
He said, “If anyone would come after me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24,
NIV).
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