June 2002

What is a Christian?

            Dallas Willard, in his classic work The Divine Conspiracy says, “I am thoroughly convinced that God will let everyone into heaven who, in his considered opinion, can stand it.  The fires in heaven may be hotter than those in the other place. . . .  It might prove helpful to think occasionally of how, exactly, I would be glad to be in heaven should I ‘make it.’ Will it be like a nice, air-conditioned luxury hotel with unlimited room service and spectacular amenities for eternity?  I often wonder how happy and useful some of the fearful, bitter, lust-ridden, hate-filled Christians I have seen. . . would be if they were forced to live forever in the unrestrained fulness of the reality of God. . . .”  

            Willard’s point is that we often approach Christianity with a consumer mentality of “What’s in it for me?”  Instead of understanding that becoming a Christian is not about getting our ticket into heaven, it is entering into a process of becoming more like Jesus Christ.  This process takes place when we intentionally decide to become disciples of Christ.  Mind you, this is a great deal different than just being a “certified member” of the church, or even a regular “attender.”  It is even a great deal different than stopping the wrong things that we may have been involved in prior to coming to Christ.  (When we focus on not sinning, our focus is on sin.  When we focus on actively doing the good that Christ has called us to do, our focus is on the good, with little time to think about sin.)  Christ has called us to a life of active discipleship.  It is so much different than passively staying away from sin, it is doing all the good we can — even sacrificially at times.  It means having a life that is useful — useful to others, the Kingdom, and to God.  It means letting my life make a difference.  It means having my life used by God for his eternal purposes.  What could be greater than that?  Well, some don’t seem to think it so great because they might have to change and put forth some effort in the spiritual lives.  They would have to have a devotional life.  They would have to become involved in a discipleship group with other imperfect Christians. 

            Some see the church’s responsibility as ministering to them instead of providing them with a ministry.  How far off they mark can they be? 

            Willard says in another place, “Much time is spent among Christians trying to smooth over hurt feelings and even deep wounds, given and received, and to get people to sop being angry, retaliatory, and unforgiving.  But suppose, instead, we devoted our time to inspiring and enabling Christians and others to be people who are not offendable and not angry and who are forgiving as a matter of course.” 

What a unique approach — to actually expect of Christians what Christ called them to be. 

Wanting to be more of His disciple,

Rod