What Happens When Christians Are No Longer Christlike?
Photo by Hugues de BUYER-MIMEURE on Unsplash
In our exploration of how Christianity impacts society, we must confront a pressing question: What happens to the world when Christians cease to embody the virtues of Christ? This inquiry invites us to reflect on the moral and societal ramifications of living out—or failing to live out—Christian principles in our daily lives.
The Challenge of Sincerity in Faith
To begin, let’s consider a thought-provoking quote from a Presbyterian minister in 1896. He posed two significant questions to a skeptic: What would be the effect on the world if all men were sincere Christians? Conversely, what would happen if all men were consistent infidels? The silence that followed these questions highlighted the skeptic’s inability to respond without undermining his own position.
This exchange illustrates a critical argument about the moral implications of both belief systems. If Christianity is a force for good, capable of alleviating societal ills and promoting virtue, then it stands as a system that should be upheld. On the other hand, if infidelity leads to the collapse of moral foundations, it would be the least favorable option. This historical context challenges us to examine the impact of genuine Christian living on societal norms and behaviors.
The Shift in Christian Influence
Reflecting on modern experiences, we see a shift in how Christianity is perceived in the context of morality and integrity. A pastor from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) shared that early on, businesses sought referrals from pastors, knowing they could expect integrity and hard work from those they recommended. However, this practice has diminished over time, indicating a troubling trend.
In my own experiences, I encountered a commercial realtor who noted that he observed more professing Christians behaving immorally than non-Christians in business settings. These anecdotes suggest a significant change in the focus of Christianity. Originally, followers of Jesus were called “followers of the way,” indicating a commitment to living like Christ. Over time, however, the emphasis has shifted towards beliefs centered around attaining heaven, overshadowing the critical aspect of embodying Christ’s life.
Christianity’s Historical Impact
The historical influence of Christianity on Western civilization is profound. A vibrant Christian faith once fostered a society that reflected the values of heaven rather than hell. It is imperative to recover this form of Christianity to restore liberty and credibility to Jesus’s teachings in the eyes of the world. Throughout history, figures like Cicero and Seneca recognized the potential for a world governed by justice and love but lacked the power to actualize this vision.
The hope of the Gospel lies in its ability to transform individuals through the internal power of the Holy Spirit. This transformative power is essential for creating a society characterized by human flourishing. Reflecting on Athanasius’s writings, we see that Christ’s teachings have historically led to peace and reconciliation, turning swords into plowshares and fostering a spirit of cooperation rather than conflict.
The Transformative Power of the Gospel
Athanasius articulated this transformation beautifully, stating that the teachings of Christ can turn even the most barbaric individuals towards virtue. This transformation is not merely external but occurs within, as individuals are empowered to overcome their baser instincts and embrace a life of prayer and virtue. The Gospel holds incredible power to change lives, but this power must be actively engaged to fulfill God’s intended purpose.
To achieve this, we must emulate Jesus, who acted in accordance with what he saw his Father doing. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding God’s character and intentions through scripture and prayer, allowing us to align our actions with His will. By doing so, we cultivate a heart reflective of God’s love, enabling us to impact the world positively.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Understanding God’s heart is not enough; we also need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. He writes God’s laws on our hearts and enables us to live according to His ways. When Christians exhibit Christlike behavior, the world takes notice, leading to the glorification of our Father in Heaven.
Unfortunately, many today struggle to envision a world flourishing under Christian ideals. They need tangible examples of these principles in action. When Christianity fails to produce Christlike individuals, society continues to seek other saviors, perpetuating cycles of oppression and tyranny.
Living Out Our Faith
In conclusion, the world must recognize Christians by their love, as this is the defining characteristic of our faith. The challenge remains for us to embody the teachings of Jesus authentically. If we do not, we risk leaving a void that others will attempt to fill, often with ideologies that stray far from the truth of the Gospel.
Let us strive to reflect on our own lives and the impact we can have on our communities by living out the true principles of Christianity. The call to action is clear: we must be the embodiment of Christ’s love and integrity in a world that desperately needs it.
Photo by Mandy von Stahl on Unsplash
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