Like you, I read several online papers, I keep track of social media. I even subscribe to 3 email alerts each day for news items with the words, “church,” “pastor,” and “faith.” I understand the brokenness of the world. And I understand the limitations of the church. But it seems like something else has happened. We have built a system of faith that is making me tired.
So, on this December 20th morning, at 4 a.m. I confess: I’m getting a little tired of the Christianity we have constructed.
- I’m tired of a Christianity that believes in the kingdoms of this world to solve the world’s issues.
- I’m tired of a Christianity that relegates Jesus to the corner of our existence, instead of being Lord of all.
- I’m tired of a Christianity that offers tricks, tips and strategies for improving our lot, rather than leading others to the Jesus who comes to bring life.
- I’m tired of a Christianity that snipes at itself instead of learning to submit to one another for the sake of reconciliation.
- I’m tired of a Christianity that allows anger to motivate a call to justice, instead of love.
- I’m tired of a Christianity that is not distinct from the world in its words and ways.
- I’m tired of a Christianity that is not engaged enough with the world and doesn’t hear its questions.
- I’m tired of a Christianity that explains away the hard things Jesus said, instead of wrestling with them with open hearts.
- I’m tired of a Christianity that doesn’t look for the miraculous, but trusts in the mechanical.
- I’m tired of a Christianity that Jesus isn’t invited into and depended upon to lead.
I confess, I’m a co-conspirator. I’ve helped build this Christianity. I’ve chased human dreams sanctified by holy words. It makes me sad and tired. We’ve traded away our birthright for a pot of stew.
I’m not tired of Jesus. I don’t think we make a big enough deal over him.
I’m not tired of the community Jesus started, the church. I love her and have big hopes for her.
I’m not tired of serving. I want to serve those Jesus loves and died to give life to.
Maybe Christmas is a good time to admit we’re tired and from there we can seek a quiet, humble, and prayerful way back to His path. I think there we will find rest.
What are you tired of? Is there a way back?
As always, thanks for reading, commenting, and sharing.
Let us keep our eyes on the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus!
That is interesting and something to seriously think about in my life, I know all things are created by God and He sent His Son who died for our sins. He is tremendously in love with me and cannot fully comprehend this, but accept Him and am so thank-ful. It’s an individual decision and He gives us freedom to make a decison. That is what is so frustrating to me, because so many people don’t want to know or decline His Love. To understand completely they need the holy spirit to help and need to listen to Him and be quided not by self but by Him. That is never fully accomplished but am learning each day to depend on Him instead of self. It hurts to see the direction some people are going .
Well said Jim. Thanks for this….and Merry Christmas!
Trust in the principles that facilitate civilization is waning at an alarming rate.