But the people of the city were divided…
- Acts 14:4
As Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the message of Jesus, many were drawn by it, and many were repelled. Jesus himself said this would be the case (e.g. Matthew 10, Luke 12).There is a popular version of Christianity today that is, in fact, not very Christian. It is easy to accept because it sounds and feels good, requires little, and promises health and happiness. But it is not authentic. Try to square the "happy-healthy" message with Acts 14 alone. It can't be done. Paul and Barnabas are rejected, ridiculed, beaten, stoned (and not in the California/Colorado sense), and often fleeing for their lives.
At it's core, biblical Christianity is a message of sacrifice. Jesus paved the way. And we are called to lay down our lives for him - most often not in the literal sense (though many have). We are called to live sacrificed lives. Paul put it this way: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live... I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me," (Galatians 2:20).
We cannot dip our toe into the Gospel to test the waters. The Christian life is not to be waded into knee-deep in such a way that we are comfortable and don't get our hair wet. It is a plunge. We offer our lives to Jesus as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1). In turn, we receive the life that only he gives.
God never promised to change all our circumstances to make us healthy and happy. He sometimes does, he often doesn't. God does however, promise to change us in the midst of our circumstances. He promises to be present. And somehow, in the midst of whatever circumstance, he provides joy. The result? We become overcomers; those who are not subject to circumstance. Instead, we "…fix our eyes on Jesus…and run the race…" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Oh, and the last thing on the divisive nature of the Gospel: It divides me. I know its truth… but don't always live it. I know its power… but don't always experience it. I know its joy… but am often weighed down by circumstance. I know its love… but don't always love. (Maybe you can relate.)
But God is at work! And he doesn't condemn (Romans 5:1).
God, help me take the plunge today.
For now...
D
