A few years ago, some visitors from China conducted a study of Christianity and concluded that it is a wonderful system of ethics, but that it doesn't work. They were unable to see any effects of the teaching on the lives of those they studied. I certainly hope that the study didn't include any members of the church. That would make it a tragedy indeed. The world should see the Gospel in our lives. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."(Matthew 5:13-16) God depends on us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
A Gallop poll conducted a few years ago yielded some interesting results. In general, the survey showed that belief in God, reliance on prayer, and acceptance of spiritual values have remained relatively constant. In particular, we are interested in the following results as they relate to this subject.
Results of the Study
- 95% professed a belief in God.
- 87% said they relied on prayer.
- 71% claimed church membership
- 61% said religion can answer all or most of today's problems.
- 56% felt religion was "very important" in their lives.
- 48% believed religion is having an increasing influence in American life.
Commitment Or Guilty Conscience?
To some people, these figures suggest real commitment. George Gallup suggested that "at Christmas time, people put aside some of their selfish motives... and move into an area of greater commitment (to spiritual values)." Such "commitment" is only temporary, and is not commitment at all.
Notice the characteristics of true commitment as seen in Acts 4:18-20; 5:29: "And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.'" "But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: 'We ought to obey God rather than men.'"
First, we must know about the proper course. Second, we must determine to follow the course to the end. In this case, the apostles were going to continue preaching Jesus, even in the face of death. Finally, the text suggests there was a follow-through. They continued preaching. Action followed their words. Faith that ensures genuine commitment is a working faith (Galatians 5:6). It isn't enough to say you intend to do a thing; you must commit yourself to do it! Faith without works is dead (James 2:17,26).
Could the results of this study actually be indicative of guilt, rather than true commitment?
Saying, "I believe in God" requires less effort than demonstrating it through obedience to His commands. After all, who is willing to say, "I don't believe in God"? Demonstrating a lack of faith requires nothing. If the holiday season calls for a show of interest in others, and if it doesn't actually require a real lifestyle change, then many only appear to have been infected with commitment. Those who would follow Jesus must be willing to give up everything, including life itself if necessary, in order to serve Him (Luke 14:26).
The Paradox of a "Committed People"
Remember, 95% said they believed in God; 87% relied on prayer, and 71% indicated that they were church members. If these statements are true, consider why only 39% of the Protestants polled, and only 51% of the Catholics polled said they had attended a church service during the preceding year. Where were the others who had such great "faith" in God?
Furthermore, remember the 61% and the 56%, or even the 48% who felt that religion is influencing American life. If religion can solve our problems, and is important in our lives, then why do crime, sexual promiscuity, and business fraud continue to flourish in America, a "Christian" nation? Indeed, as Gallup observed, "Morality is losing ground, and religion is gaining ground." If people were truly committed to Christ, crime would no longer be a problem (Ephesians 4:28-5:5), sexual promiscuity would sharply decline (1 Corinthians 7:2), and business fraud would be unheard of in America (Titus 2:10; Romans 12:17).
As Gallup pondered the reasons for this paradox, he offered as a possible reason, "...what would appear to be a failure on the part of organized religion to make a difference in society, in terms of morality and ethics." I must agree with his assessment, but I would suggest that this is true because of the emphasis most churches place on the physical man. When churches are busy with recreation, chili suppers, bingo, etc., no time is left to deal with man's spiritual needs. God's word receives little or no attention.
We must remember that the Gospel is "God's power unto salvation" (Romans 1:16). Only the Gospel can inspire true commitment. The work of caring for man's physical needs should be consigned to the YMCA, or other similar organizations. The church should glorify God (Ephesians 3:21).
Brother Larry Curry had done an excellent job of showing the fallacy of seeking to improve on God's design. Human wisdom and gimmickry cannot outdo God's perfect design. When will mankind come to grips with the words spoken long ago by the prophet Isaiah: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:8-11)
Sadly, what these polls show is what we already knew-people are just paying lip service to their belief in God and in following His teaching. Unfortunately, not only the religious world at large is guilty, but also those who profess to be members of the Lord's church! Christianity is not a "spectator religion;" it is active and alive. Please remember Paul's words to the church in Ephesus: "From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:16) Are you busy in the kingdom, or are you just a spectator? (KMG)