Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Are We Making Progress?

In the last few days I have heard the term "progressive Christianity" and how I should "progress" with the times.  I have been told that I need to "progress" my thinking in regards to homosexuality.  I have been told that if Jesus were here in person, he would be "progressive." It seems to me the that term, in how it is being used, is an oxymoron. 

If I am to progress as a Christian or in my walk with God, wouldn't that mean that I am growing in my walk? Wouldn't that imply that I am conforming to Him?  Wouldn't that be defined as me being so much in love with my Savior that I want to be like Him in every way?  What I see happening all around me is not "progressive Christianity".  I would call it more a "progressive ME" world.  When did we become a society that is more concerned with conforming Jesus or His Word to our life?  And how dare I speak out in truth?  Jesus loved us enough that He shared truth with us in the Word.  Sometimes the Truth hurts when I compare myself to it... okay, often it hurts.  But if something is Truth, can Truth ever really change?  

I am a sinner.  I identify with Paul when he says he is chief among sinners.  I, however have found a Savior that gave all He had to save me from myself.  I am a sinner saved by the grace of God.

It doesn't matter to me if the topic is homosexuality, murder, lying (which we have all been guilty of at some point), cheating, adultery, envying, drunkeness, gluttony... whichever sin you find yourself being tempted with and fall into, it is sin.  All of it separates us from a relationship with Christ.  

Can we stop saying things like "I think if Christ were here, He would (fill in the blank)"?  If we want to know what Christ would say, look in His book. It's there.  When we began interpreting what we think (or perhaps what we hope) God is saying, this is not  "progressive Christianity".  It is simply digressive.  

It is not my desire for anyone to read this and have the opinion that I hate a certain group of people.  I don't! Neither does my God hate anyone!  The Bible says it is His desire that all may know Him.  God doesn't change.  His Truth doesn't change.  May we change to be a reflection of His Truth and may that change start in MY life so that I can truly say I am practicing "progressive Christianity".

1 comment:

Charles said...

This is absolutely fantastic.