Seems lately every time I turn around I hear someone talking about this; the Christian American. Whenever they tell me their definition of such a person and the negative connotation they associate with it, I always say, “I know! That’s why Court and I have this blog!” We’re not trying to chastise, or correct, or pass judgement on anyone. On the contrary, I've been quite the definition of this myself many a time. What our goal here, essentially, is to understand how, as Americans, we are to live our Christ-centered lives.
The question I found myself asking, well, myself, before we started this endeavor was, “Am I an American Christian, or a Christian American?” (Note in these two titles appear to be an adjective and a noun, respectfully.) SO, do I identify as an American woman who practices Christianity, i.e. a Christian American, or do I find my identity in something else? Yes, I’m proud to be an American. The fundamentals this country was founded on are beautiful, and I am incredibly blessed to live in a country where I can even write this blog freely and unafraid. BUT, my identity goes much further than where I place my citizenship. My identity, and praise God for it, is found just there, within the heart of God. I am a Christian, a woman sold out to God, who will do anything for Him, and who happens to live in America. I am an American Christian.
What I feel, and what I’m finding others are noticing, is that “Christian Americans” believe in Jesus, and know who He is, and go to church sometimes, and basically live “good” lives, so that’s that. Content. Nothing more to do. Let’s not talk about our beliefs for fear of ruffling any feathers, and let’s not care what others believe because it’s their life and their choice. To better deal with that, let’s not really believe in hell, so that we don’t feel so bad when we realize so many around us just might be headed straight there because of what they believe. Again, this will offend, so let’s just believe that as long as you live a basically good life, God will cut you a break. Nevermind what His Word says. That’s what we’re going to believe. While we’re at it, let’s delve into sin (just the light-hearted stuff. We’re not doing the bad stuff, like killing or stealing), and seize the day. Carpe diem! It’s harmless right?
“JESUS answered, ‘It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”Luke 4:8
But here are the facts. To live as Christ called us to live is literally the hardest thing we can do. It’s not rainbows and sunshine and “It’s all good. Jesus LOVES you! So keep on doing what you’re doing!”
It’s. Hard.
He must be above everything else. He must be our first and true love. He must be our greatest desire. We’re going to be called “Jesus freaks” and “Bible thumpers” in this society. What I’m learning, however, is that compared to what Jesus’ disciples went through (ahem, MARTYRDOM), being called a “Bible thumping weirdo” really isn't all that bad. So WHY do we make it out to be?? Matthew 22:37-38
“And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple”
Luke 14:27
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
Colossians 3:23
Todays challenge: Meditate on this. Sit, be quiet, and ask yourself, “Am I a Christian, or an American? Do I love God enough to go the distance?” Don’t be discouraged if the answer is no. Mine was no for the VAST majority of my life. Sometimes it still is. The fact is, being a Christian is tough. It’s really really tough. But the beauty of that fact is this: We don’t have to do it alone. We will NEVER have to do it alone. He saved you. He loves you. He wants to hang out with you!! Not just see you every now and then on Sunday and hear from you when times are tough. He literally wants to hang out with you. His creation. His bride. His beloved. The more that sinks in, the more we soak and marinate and bask in His love and promise and truth, then the easier it will get. Come near to Him. He’ll come near to you. That, my friends, is a promise.
James 4:8
I love you always
Ariel
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