Riding the Fence
There are few things in life that really get “under my skin”, but one of those things happens to be something that a large majority of people seem to do. I see it everywhere: in politics, in church, in families, at school, in the movies, sports teams, bible studies, etc. Basically any organization or gathering that involves people. Not everyone exhibits this behavior, but the longer I live and the more I look around, the more my eyes are opened to it. I am even guilty of this at times, but I’m trying to change that.
Wondering where I’m going with this? Ok, here it is. I’m tired of people not knowing who they are and what they believe. I’m tired of people “riding the fence” with issues, sliding back and forth between viewpoints depending on who they’re talking to. I’m tired of people who profess to believe one thing then turn around and act as if they believe the opposite. I’m sick of watching people commit to things and not follow through with them. I’m tired of wondering whether I’m being lied to, brown nosed, put off, ignored, or being talked down to as if I don’t know anything. I’m tired of people not willing to admit that they don’t know the answer to a problem or question. I’m sick of people that aren’t willing to admit that they were wrong.
There’s an epidemic in this country and most likely around the world that has infected the human race, and that epidemic is caused by an insecurity in oneself. As people go through life, they form their individual identities that encompasses everything they believe in. That identity is what drives people to behave the way they do. It is central to the way they think and process information, who they trust, who they talk to and spend time with, who they marry, how they do their job, and basically their whole outlook on life.
I could take this and run with it in many directions, but what bothers me most are people that claim to be followers of Christ, but don’t live as if they are followers of Christ. I’m not just talking about the people that wear a cross around their neck, aren’t a part of the body of Christ and only claim their belief in Christ when it’s convenient, I’m talking about a lot of “religious” people that are in church every time the doors are open, who attend bible studies and classes, who “DO” a lot of things, and yet don’t KNOW CHRIST, or the word of God! They talk the big talk, but when it comes down to it, they don’t know anything about what the Bible really says, they just regurgitate what they’ve heard, and believe everything that “sounds good” or “feels right”. These are people that have been “in church” their whole lives and yet still are missing the big picture.
If a person truly wants to be a follower of Jesus and finds his/her identity in Christ, there will be a hunger and thirst for anything that fosters and enriches their relationship with God and His son Jesus. One of the primary ways to develop that relationship involves personal study with the Word, not just hearing a sermon every week, or reading Christian books, or even going to a bible study. There is a general sense that the Bible is hard to read and understand and that it takes a degree in bible to really “get it”. The only ones who believe that are those who haven’t personally invested the time in the word. It’s not nearly as hard as it’s made out to be. I’ve met a lot of people who have been through “seminary” and still missed the point. I’m not saying these things are bad, or not to read other books, partake in bible studies, or pursue a degree in ministry, I’m just trying to make the point that everything, and I mean EVERYTHING in the bible and the life Christ lived on this earth was/is the divine plea of a God who wants a relationship with his children. It’s about the relationship, not a bunch of facts, or a history lesson.
Those people who understand the relationship and are actively engaged with God are the ones who truly find their identity. Those people are the ones who strive to be more Christ-like in every aspect of their life. Those people are the ones that change the way they live when God convicts them of something, instead of ignoring the prodding of the Holy Spirit. They are the people who place a high importance on honesty, truth, and trust. The Spirit of God is apparent in their lives through their “fruit”. (See Galatians 5) Their “yes” is their “yes” and their “no” is their “no”. Their love for others radiates in everything they do.
My desire is that if you claim to be a believer in Christ, actively seek out your own personal relationship with God. Get in the word and let what you read and learn change the way you live. Don’t let the Bible just become a collection of stories and facts stuffed away in your brain. Take pride in your relationship, nurture it like a mother nurtures her baby, and solidify your identity as a child of God. You don’t have to be perfect, but if you’re not willing to let it interfere with the way you live, please, please, please don’t call yourself a Christian.
Don’t ride the fence.
