Well, this is my second revelation concerning the sad state of North American "Christians" better framed by this renowned Canadian Physician and presented here for your consideration. It is deserving to be reread a couple of times and then passed on to those you care about: The work of Dr. Ney can be found at www.messengers2.comLazy Narcissist North American Christians (LNNAC)
Philip G. Ney, MD, FRCP (C)
June 26, 2005
Many people have shaken their heads in bewilderment at recent world events and wondered why Christians have lost the influence they once had on culture that in the past created prominently Christian countries. The question is difficult and the answer is not simple. The following is an attempt to enumerate some of the salient factors.
The Problem
There was never a time when Christians had so much:
1. Time that does not have to be devoted to working for a living.
2. Money not required for daily survival.
3. Information that supports the Christian perspective, e.g. astrophysics strongly supports creation, medical science is powerfully pro-life.
4. Technology that makes it possible to spread the good news so quickly so far.
5. Opportunity to think and act freely.
6. Training in theology, psychology and basic sciences.
7. Teaching in Christian churches, schools and colleges.
8. Scripture translated into more versions and more languages than ever.
Yet with all of these advantages that were unknown to earlier Christians, the followers of Jesus, God’s Anointed One, apparently have diminishing impact. Christians seem to be losing on all fronts. There are more abortions, homosexual marriages, violent movies, pornography in homes, etc. With few exceptions, modern Christians have little influence on their culture, the laws of their land, the thinking that governs people’s actions and the discoveries that illustrate Christ.
The devil has not become stronger. God always limits what Satan is able and permitted to do. “The Lord said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger” "…he is in your hands; but you must spare his life." (Job 1:12, 2:6) Christians seem to forget, “He who is in you (God’s Spirit) is greater than he who is in the world.”
(I John 4:4). To this power Christians have constant access. Why are Christians so weak when ostensibly they believe nothing can stop them? “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. “(Matthew 16:18). You might get a better impression of the import of this statement by looking at that scene in the Lord of the Rings showing a mighty darkened city with massive walls and huge numbers of lethal enemy, then visualizing a few courageous Christians watching those walls disintegrate as they pray.
The Basic Hypothesis
God wants humans to be his friends, but friendship cannot be compelled or enticed. It can only be invited. So God gave humans a choice. A choice is only a real choice if the probabilities of choosing either way are 50:50. God has carefully maintained this balanced probability of choosing Him through history and throughout the entire world. Since Adam and Eve, no individual now has a 50:50 opportunity of choosing Christ. Each person’s probable choice is weighted greatly by where they grow up, who were their parents, their opportunities to hear the gospel, previous choices, etc. It would be unjust of God if He allowed the world to become so darkened that people could not, as a whole, choose Him on an equal basis with choosing something else. Though no individual has a free choice, humanity as a whole does have an equal chance of choosing or not choosing God in Christ. Therefore all Christians who had an 80:20 probability of choosing Christ because they were brought up in a good Christian home must share that privilege with others. This is what creates neighbourliness. The need to share with those who have less opportunity should create a civilized society.
As Christians became more numerous they would characteristically have a greater impact on the thinking of the world. Since there is no evidence for this, one can only conclude Christians have become individually weaker.
Why have Christians lost their impact?
Christians have become lazy and narcissistic, particularly the Christians of North America. Possible reasons are as follows:
1. Disobedience:
They fail to obey their Lord’s command to love God and their neighbour as themselves. “Jesus replied, `You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39) In disobedience they became alienated from that source of life and power, which is Christ.
2. Fear:
By trying to be part of current culture, Christians have denied their Lord. By becoming increasingly afraid of losing their comfort, reputation, health and life, they feel they must be kind and tolerant. But Jesus reminds us that if we don’t put Him first always and if we try to save our skins we will lose what is much more important. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:25).
3. Compromise:
Too many Christians are compromising and not repenting. Some Christian doctors are referring pregnant patients for abortions. In this way they are major contributors to the worst disaster to ever afflict humankind. Yet they protest their innocence and do not seek the Lord’s forgiveness and their patients’ forgiveness. They have not attempted to compensate all the members of the family they have severely damaged. Most Christians do nothing to protest the murder of millions of preborn people but scripture clearly states they must. “Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die. Don't try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn't know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and he knows you knew! And he will judge all people according to what they have done.” (Proverbs 24:11-12).
4. Inconsistent:
Many Christians accept as normal the increasing inconsistency between what they believe, and what they do. They have developed many handy rationalizations to excuse themselves. There is a growing gap between what they know and what they act upon. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). This gap literally tears them apart. It creates weakness in their thinking and sickness in their body. To be healthier they should either do more or learn less.
5. Materialsim
Too many Christians have bought the lie that in the pursuit of pretty things, ‘expensive toys for big boys’ and fun, they will find enjoyment and eventually joy. Christ is the only source of joy. His joy is more likely to be experienced with fewer things. “Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21) Most Christians will readily agree that there is no joy in materialism, only greater concern and loss of freedom, but they can’t seem to break the habit. Even smart Christ-serving ones who go overseas to help, won’t travel light but bring huge suitcases that can only make the local population angry and covetous.
6. Christian” Psychology:
There are many kinds of so-called Christian psychology. I find they are basically humanistic with a bit of scripture sprinkled on top. These kinds of psychology might promote insight but do not insist upon corresponding amounts of responsibility. Consequently many counseled Christians use explanations of why they came apart as excuses. A truly Christian psychology must start with the reasons God created humans. “Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." (Genesis 1:26). “For you made us only a little lower than God, and you crowned us with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:5, NLT)
7. Complaining:
Christian counsellors and pastors inadvertently reinforce complaining behaviour. The kind attention given to the people who are whining by counsellors and friends inadvertently reinforces maladaptive behaviour, mainly dependent wimpy behaviour. To some extent this is inevitable in counselling, but all those who counsel should recognize how sympathetic concern automatically rewards many of the problems they are trying to rectify. Insight must be accompanied by change in person and action, particularly reaching out to help others. “Do everything without complaining or arguing…” (Philippians 2:14) “Why do you protest your punishment--this wound that has no cure? I have had to punish you because your sins are many and your guilt is great.” (Jeremiah 30:15)
8. Avoid Crises:
Many Christians are so afraid of discomfort that they rush either to their family doctor for medication or to their pastor for commiseration. They forget that most people only mature in crisis and that tribulation is inevitable. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
9. Hard Decisions:
Too many Christians hate making hard decisions. Yet the Lord teaches us that we must learn to make hard decisions partly because we will be judges of the nations and the angels in heaven, partly so that we will talk to Him more and partly so we will grow up. “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? …Do you not know that we will judge angels? (I Corinthians 6:2,3) Too many Christians pray for the Lord to direct them by opening and closing doors. They seem to forget they expected their children to deal with doors from 3 years of age. These Christians stay 3 years old and circumstance driven instead of knocking down doors and walls in their Lord’s name.
10. Victimization:
Popular psychology encourages those who suffer to feel sorry for themselves. Christians should remember that throughout history, all those who sought power for themselves first found a group of suffering people then encouraged them to feel sorry for themselves, then incited them to become angry with such statements as; “You poor serfs,” “you poor workers,” and nowadays “you poor women.” “As your brave leader, I will fight for your rights.” “Together we will gain equality,” etc. Those who believed they were downtrodden soon found that in the process of their leaders gaining power, they became cannon fodder. Christians are enjoined to be content, not about injustice but about seeking status and power for themselves. “But Jesus called them together and said, "You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them. But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant…” (Matthew 20:25-26)
11. Masturbation:
Romans Chapter 1 describes a progressive degradation of humans beginning with their refusal to acknowledge God and ending with sexual aberrations. “When they refused to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their evil minds and let them do things that should never be done.” (Romans 1:28) Like Narcissus, those who masturbate become increasingly self centered and eventually fall into a pool of selfishness and drown. Through operant and classical conditioning rewarded by an orgasm, those who masturbate becomes more attracted to their own body and addicted to self-stimulation. Sexual tension was designed by God to drive men and women to create a lifelong bond with each other. Through the intimate pleasure of sex, men and women were designed to procreate children and form families. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
12. Obesity:
Too many North American Christians have become overweight. They spend large amounts of time and money eating fine food, then more money on expensive purposeless exercise and gym equipment. Then they must rest from their exercise, while others starve or have no one to cut their wood or weed their garden. Either they do not realize their opulence is at the expense of the poor or they do and don’t care. Carrying an extra fifty to hundred pounds is will invariably make anyone feel tired and less like helping a neighbour or dancing in praise to God or going on a pro-life walk.
“But Israel soon became fat and unruly; the people grew heavy, plump, and stuffed! Then they abandoned the God who had made them; they made light of the Rock of their salvation.” (Deuteronomy 32:15)
13. Lazy:
The bible clearly indicates that His people should have one day off to relax and worship God. “Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God.” (Exodus 20:9-10)
Most modern Christians feel they should have two days off. It is such a blessing that most Christians, in order to meet their needs, only have to work five days a week. This should give them one day to vigorously serve the Lord and love their neighbours by meeting their needs. The work they do keeps them fit and the love they show sharpens them spiritually.
l4. Retirement
None of the old Saints retired. They worked until they couldn’t move. Then they sat, and gave wise advice and blessings until they died and were welcomed into glory. “Then Jacob called for his sons and said: "Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come…When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people. “ (Genesis 49:1,33) There are millions of well trained, wealthy Christians who feel they should spend their time tending their rose garden or cruising the world. They sail blithely by their starving fellow Christians and world neighours. If you ask them to help you with some God glorifying project, they try to shame you for disturbing their “well earned rest and retirement”.
15. Recreation:
Christians have accepted the worldly idea of needing to have fun in order to be recreated. They forget that in loving others they are loved, in meeting other needs, theirs are met. “He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:27,28) The Law of Mutual Benefit always applies. As the kids say “What goes round, comes round.” Selfishness never benefits anyone. Jesus is very pragmatic. His order for us to love is as much for our benefit as our neighbours. Because love is meeting a person’s need and because needs are definable and measurable, there is no need for confusion about what must be done to obey the Lord’s command to love.
16. Self Care:
Christians are encouraged to “Look after yourself.” “You must love yourself”. “Be careful or you will burn out.” That is not what Jesus taught. He taught that we are candles in this world. Candles always burn out. ”You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) We have some choice in how we go out, but we are going out one way or another. Are you going to wimp out, cop out, rust out, burn out or flame out? For Christians, burning out or flaming out is the only way to go. Try it for yourself, 6 months of looking after yourself with soft music and candlelit baths or 6 months of looking after your neighbour and letting Christ look after you. Have your BP checked after each period to see when you are healthier. Don’t you think the one who designed the machine is the person who knows best when to really push it and when it needs a tune up? Knowing there would be evil, God designed humans to struggle. They die more quickly when they don’t use all their God-given attributes, especially when they stop using their brain.
17. Habitual Inaction:
Whenever people watch desperate situations on television or hear described from the pulpit an urgent problem and they do nothing more than sit, they become conditioned into inaction that is extremely difficult to overcome. This is why every pastor should insist that before any one of the congregation leaves the building, they put into some kind of action what they have just determined they should do.
18. Conditioned Passivity:
When people sit while being urged to act, either by their natural instinct or by some injunction from those speaking to them, they are reinforced by entertainment of the sermon or lecture to be inactive. Their conditioned passivity becomes increasingly set, the more they hear or read. Because this is happening in their life thousands of times a year, it becomes a conditioned response few can overcome with any amount of determination.
19. Rationalization:
Leaving a soul-stirring sermon on Sunday, the average parishioner walks down the aisles determined to do something. At the door they shake the pastor’s hand, “God bless you, that was a fine sermon, I really enjoyed it.” and “Yes, I’m going to do something about this.” They do not mention that they are going to do something about it some day, if they feel so inclined. As they drive home, and as they eat their Sunday dinner, they begin persuading themselves and then each other why at this moment, “it would be really foolish to try to do anything rash.”
The basic rationalizations include:
o I don’t believe this is the right time. We should consider the matter more carefully.”
o “I can’t act alone. We will have to wait until I get a supportive group and some funding.”
o “Without knowing better what we should do, it is quite probable we will do more harm than good.”
o “You can’t expect me to take on all the issues of the world. Until I’m really sure which ones I should tackle, I will wait.”
o “My family comes first. God wouldn’t expect me to leave them or get them involved in something that is dangerous.”
o “It isn’t my passion.” This has become the most common excuse nowadays. Your passion should always be to obey Christ.
o “I haven’t been called of God.” “It’s fine for those who have been, but it isn’t for me.” They seem to forget although each individual is personally invited to join God’s army, once you are in the army, you don’t expect the General to personally tap you on the shoulder every time he wants something done. You have your orders. Now get out there with the rest of the troops and start loving.
20. If it’s Bigger, it must be Better:
This ethic has plagued Christianity from the outset. The disciples could not understand why the more time Jesus taught and healed, the fewer people followed Him. Because Christianity is always working toward radical changes, it will never be popular. So many Christians fail to see that the larger the following, the less likely the teaching is to be true.
21. Popularity is the key to success:
It’s fine to be democratic. Everyone should have his or her say, but eventually most decisions must be made by the person who is most qualified at that time. You can safely assume the less popular the person and the less popular the activity, the more the Lord is likely to endorse it. He was pretty unpopular in his day. “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26)
22. Pain is unnecessary:
Many modern Christian’s seem to equate pain with irreversible injury. Physicians know that a pain points to a problem but isn’t necessarily a disease. The pharmaceutical industry has become very adept at inculcating the idea that every ache, pain and anxiety should be medicated. One pharmaceutical company is the second largest corporation in the world. These pharmaceutical companies benefit greatly from the adverse effects of abortion; hypnotics for those troubled by nightmares, antidepressants for those with pathological grief that may appear like depression and antipsychotics for the abortion survivors who believe their “voices” are hallucinations. Physiologically and psychologically every woman becomes attached to every baby even while saying the “don’t want it” or “can’t have it.” Everyone who was attached must grieve when they are detached. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
23. Scars are ugly:
While Jesus will readily show us His scars in heaven, most Christians would like to arrive there without any. Christians forget that they are expected to be on the cutting edge on every critical issue. There is nothing that couldn’t be better and they should be the first to innovate. In this world, Christians will seldom be thanked for standing for truth. They are more likely to have scars on their hearts and minds and bodies. They should not be surprised that some of the most painful wounds are in the back; from friends like those of Julius Caesar who think they are too dangerous. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
24. Ignore the Poor:
Jesus often spoke of the blessings that come to those who help the poor and downtrodden. Nobody is as poor and helpless as a preborn baby. Anyone who reaches out to protect preborn children is promised four remarkable blessings. ”Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.” (Psalm 41:1-3) Christians cannot ignore poverty and its causes. God is not impressed when they give a token amount to help a few foster children in Africa while they spend large amounts of food and clothing for themselves. This does not satisfy God’s injunction. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
25. Abortion:
There is nothing more dehumanizing and conflicting as a mother and father killing their own children. Those deep conflicts rob them of joy and energy. Unresolved guilt robs them of an ability to speak out for the Lord. Until they have dealt with their contribution to the murder of an innocent child, reconciled with God and their other children, etc. they will tend to justify what they have done rather than help others avoid that tragedy. “You slaughtered my children and sacrificed them to the idols.” (Ezekiel 16:21)
26. Few Courageous Models:
There are many dynamic preachers seen facing an enthusiastic congregation, and not realizing the powerful message this setup conveys. It seems to be the normal scene. But then the only way the pastor can lead his flock is to walk backwards. He is not likely to see where he is going and will fall head over heels at any stumbling block. Pastors should be facing the difficulty not the audience. They should be the first to write a letter to the newspaper editor protesting some injustice, the most enthusiastic at Walks for Life and the boldest at Life Chains.
27. Lack of Male Leadership:
In the context of women clamoring for equal rights and responsibility, men are made to feel guilty about being the leader. Yet in critical situations, particularly times of war, men make quicker, better decisions. Since Christians are constantly in a hot war, that seems to be getting hotter, men must take the leadership and women should be the helpmates. God intended them to be this way. ”The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." (Gen 2:18) The fundamental difference in male and female psychology is clearly visible when an angry person walks toward a house where the mother and father are working together on the front lawn. The woman will instinctively rush into the house to protect her children while the man will move in the opposite direction to confront the threat.
28. Pride:
Knowledge and wealth make people feel they don’t need God. This is why the poor, the handicapped and the children are the ones who most readily point to Christ. They know Him better than the smart and the rich. In order to correct Christians’ dependence on money and education, God will soon start taking away both knowledge and money. “…though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” (Psalm 62:10)
29. Love of Money:
Too many Christians think they were born into our affluent society to enjoy God’s many blessings. They seem to forget that with every blessing comes a proportionally heavy responsibility to share it. God wants us to take risks with our talents and invest in others less well blessed. Any talent (75 lbs of gold) held onto or hidden in the ground outrages our King. "The master was furious. “That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest. Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this "play-it-safe" who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.” (Matthew 25:26-30, The Message) “Enjoy my wealth,” creates huge inconsistency in their own lives and a terrible witness to people in developing nations. So many Christians congratulate themselves and each other on substantial gains from their investments, little realizing that the higher the return, the more likely it is to be dishonest gain. Ask any bank manager. There is no way to ensure your investments are ethical. The prophets had some harsh words for usury. “He oppresses the poor and needy… He lends at usury and takes excessive interest.” (Ezekiel 18:12,13) “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have...” (Hebrews 13:5) “For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (I Timothy 6:10)
30. Ambition:
So often I have seen a young Christian medical student, who entered medical school determined to become a medical missionary, gradually lose sight of this dream as he becomes encumbered with work and the need to keep quiet, or so he believes, in order to get a decent grade. So often I have seen young Christian faculty members rationalizing their desire to not protest by saying, “As soon as I get my promotion, (or tenure, or chairmanship), then I will speak out.” Sadly, by the time they become tenured chairmen, they have lost their ability to speak out because of having made so many compromises.
31. Media Immersion:
The media always lies. Yet so many Christians immerse themselves in TV, radio and newspapers so much of the day. The media cannot avoid distorting reality. It compresses time, avoids important details because it takes too much space, cannot transmit critical sensations such as smell, simplifies the real issues because it believes most readers would not be able to comprehend the complexities, panders to the consumer and the advertiser, is subject to the personal bias of editors and publishers and is not cautioned by any self regulating body. Are people so arrogant to believe their thinking is not substantially influenced by what they receive? “Garbage in, garbage out!” ”What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1) “For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” (Romans 16:18)
32. Bad News:
The most expensive advertising is either side of the newscast. Why? Because that is when there are the most viewers. Why? Intuitively people think they should know what might happen. That information might help them avoid danger. Ever since the watchman of the wall began shouting, “The enemy approaches. Hide your wives and children. Arm yourselves.” people have wanted good warnings. The problem with TV is that 98% of the time the warning doesn’t apply to you and 99% of the time there is nothing you can do about it anyway. The net effect of constantly being bombarded with bad news is that people are in an unnecessary state of tension and turmoil. Then they can’t sleep well and seek some anti-anxiety or hypnotic medication. They become inured to real danger. They are conditioned into passivity and they develop a pessimistic or hopeless attitude toward world events. The bad news-immersed Christians tend to only pray for the imminent return of their Lord so they won’t have to confront the huge problems this world soon faces.
33. Christian Elevator Music:
The world is trying so hard to feel good, they prefer music that makes them feel happier. So much of modern Christian music is of the same style and only slightly different content. Many Christian homes have it going all day. The “praise leaders” of the average church believe happy songs are the way to encourage the penitent to seek the Lord, yet the sound and motion seem to emulate the average Baal worship. Can’t you see it? “Oh Baal we worship you” sung sincerely by his worshippers while clapping and swaying in time to drums and guitar. Where are the marching hymns of a century ago? “Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” (Psalm 144:1) Aren’t we at war? Where are the repenting choruses? Don’t we have much for which to apologize to the Lord? Why are we encouraged to endlessly repeat the simplest songs? Is it to engender a “Christian mood”? David encourages Israelis to sing a new song; a song of their own experience and not his favorites. “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” (Psalm 33:3)
34. Happy Worship:
It seems the average church believes their first responsibility is to make sure the worship service does not disturb people too much. “Of course they can be challenged but don’t get them so riled up they won’t return. After all, we have a big mortgage now we have a new church. Some of the people who may be offended by what you intend to say are our strongest supporters.” “Besides, the Lord wants us to be joyful”. Amen brother! And you will discover that joy in battling the enemy and enjoying that time of real fellowship with the Lord. “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) We need to be strengthened not for pursuing a career but to engage the enemies of the Lord. Do you know of any church that follows the example of Christ and the teachings of Paul?
o “After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:17-20)
o "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (Matt 5:23,24)
o “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” (I Corinthians14:29-33)
35. Trinkets:
Too many Christian book stores are crowded with religious trinkets to wear, icons to decorate their homes and bibles to stack one upon another. But God is a Spirit whom we can only truly worship in spirit. The paraphernalia distracts worship and de-deifies almighty God. “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)
36. Prophecy:
There are innumerable false prophets reassuring North American Christians rather than scaring them with words of warning. “I have not sent these prophets, yet they claim to speak for me. I have given them no message, yet they prophesy. If they had listened to me, they would have spoken my words and turned my people from their evil ways… I have heard these prophets say, `Listen to the dream I had from God last night.' And then they proceed to tell lies in my name… If any prophet, priest, or anyone else says, `I have a prophecy from the LORD,' I will punish that person along with his entire family.” (Jeremiah 23:21, 22, 25, 34)
37. Gossip:
In the name of, “concern for our weaker brother and our desire to pray for him or her”, Christians share with each other the choicest morsels of dirty laundry about which they are ill informed and which is no real concern of theirs. Without understanding the complexities and while avoiding any recognition of their contribution to the tragedy, they quickly destroy a person’s reputation. Without credibility, it is an unnecessarily difficult task to serve the Lord. Once you have destroyed a person’s reputation, you may as well bury them. “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11:13)
38. Superfluous Talk:
“Wasn’t that the greatest sermon you ever heard?” “Aren’t we having the most wonderful weather?” “I really love you in that pink dress” “Where did you get it?” “What an amazing bargain”. That isn’t the way David, Paul and Peter enjoined us to talk. It only helps to foster the illusion that everything is good and getting better. It isn’t. There are few underpinnings of everyday life that aren’t getting more rotten. Medicine is abandoning its ethics. Judges are more concerned about public opinion and power than they are justice. Education is not informing but imposing "liberal” attitudes on morals. Business wants high rates of return and it matters little that good profitable margins come from slave and near slave labour and illicit practices. With little opposition from the average Christian, about 100 million innocent babies are murdered every year. ”Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25) ” Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs...” (Ephesians 5:19) “…encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” (Philippians 1:14) “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” (I Peter 3:10)
39. Usurping God’s Prerogatives:
Only God can marry people, forgive sins, conceive a baby and make a church. Yet professional “Christians” not only perform rituals as if they can do these things, but they make money at it. Since through intercourse God joins a man and woman in a lifelong bond that no man can break, no priest or preacher can “pronounce you man and wife.” Only after questioning the couple to determine what God has done, should he say to those assembled, “I am glad to announce a miracle and am privileged to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. J….” “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Matthew 19:6)
40. Hypocritical Weddings:
At the church wedding she stands before the congregation in a dazzling white gown. The white is to signify she is pure, a virgin. But nobody asked if she has already had sex because no one wants to know. The preacher may ask, “Does any one know of a good reason these two should not wed?” Hypothetically, “Ahem,” said the shy old man, “Yes I do.” Awkward silence. “My son and she had intercourse, and so they are married.” Then the mother of the groom with great trepidation almost whispers, “Excuse me pastor, but I must tell you that my son has had sex with quite a few girls and so he is already a polygamist.” “In that case this wedding is cancelled,” said the pastor. And all the wedding guests stoned him. Have you ever heard of that happening? “Haven't you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” (Matthew 19:4)
41. Recreational Sex:
I n spite of the frequent teachings on sex in the bible, many Christians have covertly adopted the world’s view that almost any kind of sexual behaviour is good fun. From God’s point of view, there is no such thing as premarital sex because He uses sex to bond [marry] people. He won’t break His own commandments and so He does not restore virginity; not because He cannot or even does not want to. God designed vaginal intercourse to be a most enjoyable earthly pleasure and mutually [chemically] beneficial to the health and welfare of the couple. Any other sexual behaviour that results in an organism is harmful. Yet mutual masturbation and anal intercourse are not that uncommon among Christians. Some chastity programs are inadvertently encouraging any sex but intercourse and leaving the young people to believe no harm is done. “Honour marriage…God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex.” (Hebrews 13:4, The Message)
42. Anal Sex:
The vagina is designed with relatively tough stratified squamous epithelium to withstand the friction of intercourse. It has an active transport mechanism to absorb life-sustaining hormones from the seminal plasma of the husband’s ejaculate. The rectum has a single cell columnar epithelium that easily tears and bleeds with penis penetration. The mixture of blood and any virus or bacteria, particularly HIV, provides the ideal medium for growth leading to infection or cancer. The rectum does not absorb hormones but immuno-suppressive agents in seminal plasma dampen the immune response of the surrounding tissue. This is why almost all homo and heterosexual AIDS is the result of anal intercourse. These facts have been known for a long time. Not only do Christians not use that knowledge to discourage people from engaging in anal sex but some practice anal sex and encourage others to do likewise because then girls can still claim to be a virgin. The other “advantage” is that they won’t get pregnant. The net effect is exactly what Paul wrote about, “…and as a result, suffered within themselves the penalty they so richly deserved.” (Romans 1:27)
43. Prolife Parlour Games:
There are many ways abortion could be drastically slowed if not stopped. I can think of a least a dozen but very few people, even the best pro-lifers want to try them. “Too risky”, they say, or “Not yet.” In the meantime they play polite prolife parlour games and congratulate themselves for infinitesimal gains while millions of babies die and many more women and men are damaged for life. In a polite prolife parlour game you wait for your opponent to make the first move then you show your hand before playing it just so the pro-aborts don’t become too upset. You dare not raise the stakes because they might too. Take for an example, all the Christians refusing to pay that portion of their taxes or medical insurance premiums that pay for abortions, and they are prepared to go to jail if necessary. “Really, that is going too far”. “We must be reasonable and compassionate,” etc. so many fine Christians will say. They ignore what their Lord says on that subject. “…they have filled this place with the blood of innocent children.” (Jeremiah 19:4) “But I must discipline you; I cannot let you go unpunished” (Jeremiah 30:11) “He made sure that justice and help were given to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn't that what it means to know me?" asks the LORD." (Jeremiah 22:16)
44. Live for Ever [on Earth]:
So many Christians are attempting to promote their health with manifold vitamins, extraordinary diets, exotic herbs, frequent workouts at the gym, unnecessary visits to their family physician who is persuaded to keep ordering diagnostic tests “just in case there might be something really wrong” and extensive holidays, all of dubious value and usually costly, because they hope to keep on living and living. But with much worry and effort can you really prolong your lives?” Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.” (Matthew 6:27) Is it a risk when you have the Lord of the universe continually guarding your life? How can anyone justify these expenses while even one person goes without good food and clean water? Do you really think the Lord doesn’t notice? No, Christians who engage in vain attempts to prolong their lives at great expense, I have noticed, are weaker and die younger. The Law of Mutual Benefit always holds. “So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” (Matthew 6:31-33)
45. Quick Fixes:
Though God is patient and wants His children to learn His perspective, modern Christians tend to want immediate and painless cures to their ailments, rapid answers to their prayers and quick decisions for their dilemmas. The most common and most damaging trauma to humans is abortion and the most popular fix is a weekend or bible study. But there are some damages God will not undo, e.g. reconstitute an aborted baby, primarily because He wants us to realize how serious that bad decision was. If the aborted baby is not brought back to life, then that mother and father can never regain their pre-abortion state.
Any one of these factors is enough to enfeeble anybody. Too often Christians are allowing all of these to affect them. How could God possible use them? He can at any time He wants to, but He may have to get their attention by giving each one a good shake.
Why Christians must be Different
This world will never be good enough. There isn’t any law, institution or worship that is sufficiently good to allow Christians to be content and conservative. They must be in their person and their behaviour radically different, just like their Lord. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (I John 2:15)
1. Courageous:
Christians believe this world is not their home. They should really behave like they are “just a passing through” and that their treasures are truly “laid up somewhere beyond the blue.” “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” (Luke 12:33)
2. Obedient:
Christians must obey the Lord’s command to love. In loving they will find they are loved and grow mature. “And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.” (I John 3:23) “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men…And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men.” (Matt 6:2, 5)
3. Grateful:
Christians should serve the Lord with all their heart and mind and strength, out of sheer gratitude. He has given them everything they could possibly desire or need. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)
4. At War:
Christians are constantly in “all out war”. It never stops. This war is becoming more intense. This is not the time to grow roses. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
5. Risking Their Life:
If you hang on to your skin, you will lose it. Our Lord taught us to love, risk everything, and thus find real life. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35)
6. Repentant:
Although I have known many remarkable Christians and courageous prolifers, I know of no one who could not have done more to save preborn babies. We are more a part of the problem than we care to admit. Unless we see how we are part of the problem, we cannot be part of the solution. “For Israel has forsaken me and turned this valley into a place of wickedness. The people burn incense to foreign gods - idols never before worshiped by this generation, by their ancestors, or by the kings of Judah. And they have filled this place with the blood of innocent children…I will see to it that your enemies lay siege to the city until all the food is gone. Then those trapped inside will have to eat their own sons and daughters and friends. They will be driven to utter despair.” (Jeremiah 19:4,9) “God is a judge who is perfectly fair. He is angry with the wicked every day. If a person does not repent, God will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow.” (Psalm 7:11-12)
7. Trust The Designer
God made us. He knows us and how much we can take. He will never push us beyond our limits. He really does know what is best for us in the long run. “…your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
8. The Process is more Important than the Product:
God wants mature friends. Maturity comes from vigorously serving the Lord in battles, in crisis and in making hard decisions. We will not take what we achieve or what we possess. We will take who we are to heaven. “…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:13)
9. Disciplined:
We are Christ’s disciples and He will discipline us. God’s discipline has always begun with his people. “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.” (Revelation 3:19)
10. Time is Running Out:
As Jesus taught, it isn’t that difficult to make observations of the world events and make predictions on what is about to happen. God has never overlooked the murders of those who are innocent. In the last ten years, there is a veritable mountain of bodies of murdered pre-born babies. “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.” (Matthew 24: 32-33)
11. Be Pragmatic, Be Outrageous:
We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If nothing else, take a few risks so you know the reasons you give yourself for not acting aren’t excuses attempting to cover your fear.
12. Not Now:
We will be awarded relaxation and every possible joy in heaven. Not before then! ”However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him,” but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.” (I Corinthians 2:9,10)
So who then is a normal Christian? He who is first and foremost a unique son of God, disciple of Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit. He was created a little lower than God. He is conscious of and gratefully proud of his adoption into the universe’s royal family. This makes him painfully aware of the dehumanization of his fellow man, and urgent in his ministry of reconciling man to God, and being used by Christ to help everyone regain as much as possible their full humanity.
He is aware of his blueprint, and rejoices in functioning according to his God-given design. He grieves the loss of the person he should have become. He asks God to forgive all those who contributed to the death of the person he was designed to be. He works daily towards reconciling himself, his family and his fellow man to God and to each other. He is constantly forgiving and being forgiven. He fellowships with God and worships God all day, every day. He sleeps peacefully, knowing his mind is protected by the helmet of salvation. He expectantly awaits what his subconscious and God will reveal to him in his dreams.
He encourages his wife to be herself, wonderfully woman, procreative, nurturing, his helpmate, adviser and defender. He is a father to his own and to the fatherless, first by example, then as provider, protector, and guide. He nurtures growing relationships so that his children become his friends. He loves his neighbour as himself, and as much as it is in him, he blesses his worst enemies.
He works hard for his employer five days a week, and saves for overseas missions trips. He persuades his church to adopt a sister church in Africa. He is on the board of at least one Christian and one non-Christian community organization reaching out to the poor, the disabled, the elderly, the impoverished or the disturbed. He is constantly writing letters to the editor and standing up for difficult causes. Though not popular, he is respected. He watches almost no television, nor does he allow his children to. He garners what is necessary from the news once a week. He protests at pro-life marches and chains together with his whole family. On Saturday he works around his place half the time, and on some project half the time. On Sunday, he attends an early service in a home church, has a love lunch, and then goes out for a hike with his family. He has reserved one night a week for each family member, where he can be with them in some joyful and challenging activity. Two nights a week he sets aside for study and education, learning more about Christ experientially. There is joy in his life, because his function as much as possible aligns with his design. He is as radical as his Lord was, constantly wanting things to become better, whether it’s the law courts, education, the practice of medicine, or the design of automobiles. He stays in good physical shape, less from exercise and more from the work he does for others, lawns mowed and wood chopped because they can’t do it themselves. He ages gracefully. Through pain, effort, contemplating God’s handiwork and word he becomes increasingly wise. He puts more time and thought into the growth of his spirit as his body deteriorates. As he is dying, he reconciles once more with everybody, commits his spirit to God, and peacefully passes on, that is if he is not terminated by some agent of his enemy, who is the enemy of Christ. He is received into glory having lived a full and useful life.
The lazy narcissistic North American Christian is immature, fearful, indecisive and self-pitying. He won’t trust God, and therefore he is afraid of death, illness, persecution and alienation. He claims not to be, and therefore it is very hard for him to be helped. He is self-protective and self-indulgent. He can justify the acquisition of any big boy toy, saying that some day it can be used to work with young people. He seems to enjoy noisy superficial worship, and hypocritical fellowship. He states he is always seeking the truth through reading books, videotapes, retreats, but doesn’t pay attention, and doesn’t put into practice what he learns. He is torn by conflict, and a growing discrepancy between what he believes and how he behaves. He doesn’t really listen to God or his own thoughts. He crowds out quiet voices by media of all kinds, particularly Christian elevator music. He is selfish and disregards the real needs of his neighbours near and far, except a sop to the most desperate brought to his attention. He has a couple of foster children overseas and distributes food hampers to his neighbours at Christmas time. Otherwise, he tries to deal with his inconsistency by avoiding a good look at how others suffer. He tends to be very ‘conservative’, and votes as such. He doesn’t want things to change because it might upset his comfort. He is very proud of his investments; nice home, cottage, new car, and seems to be able to justify this by saying Christians should be well-blessed. He tends to be overweight and travels, even when on a mission, with heavy suitcases full of clothes he hardly ever wears, but plenty enough to make overseas Christians scratch their heads and tend to be covetous. He has no scars on his body or his mind. He is overly defensive, and as he ages becomes increasingly cynical. He tries to keep his weight down by playing golf, and justifies this by saying it is a good opportunity to witness, which he seldom does. He is constantly waiting for God to open and close doors to show him what to do. He can justify not doing any difficult activity by saying God has not spoken to him, or he doesn’t know what his blueprint is. As he dies he becomes increasingly fearful and defensive, hurries to deal with his investments, and is fearful of being placed in an old people’s home. There he dies, mostly in loneliness, increasingly bitter that somehow real life passed him by.
| | ||||
