So, help me, God!

One of the great tragedies of our time is the growing distain that exists towards the Christian church among those who are not Believers. Barna Research, a reputable firm, reports that 38 percent of young Americans (16-29) have a negative impression of present day Christianity.
Christians are perceived as unintelligent and out of touch with the world, as judgmental and quick to find fault, as people who do not live what they teach, and as those who are too willing to readily and uncritically adopt the political views of the right wing. Gabe Lyons, author of unChristian: What a New Generation thinks of Christianity (Baker, 2008) writes of Believers: "we've almost forgotten what it means to be human, or to suffer with other people, or to admit to our brokenness, or to connect with people in areas where we don't have it all figured out. We've tried to portray an image that we have it all together, that our life is best now, that in a lot of ways we have conquered major issues. And we all know that is not reality." ('Christianity In Crisis,' Willow Journal, Winter, 2008)

What a telling observation! Is the assessment of Believers accurate or is it based on superficial perceptions? That I cannot say with certainty. I know many Christians on whom the indictments of insincerity, hypocrisy, blind allegiance to one political party, and judgmentalism can be hung with justice. But, I also know many Believers who work hard to serve the world in Jesus' Name with gentle love, who desire no recognition as they give of their time and resources to help those who are weighed down by terrible sorrow and/or pain. I want to be latter, so help me, God! Don't you?

Even from the 'inside,' as one who has lived his entire adult life in the shadow of the organized church and as a Pastor, I realize that we Believers are often too prone to trust government to make our world a better place, instead of rolling up our sleeves and getting about the business of building the Kingdom of God! Additionally, we let agencies do what Christ calls us to do - care for the poor, love the weak and the sick, and defend the powerless! Too often, we seek places of power instead of service; rejecting the servant's towel in favor of the weight of the law. We think that our society will be redeemed by stricter judges, with the election of politicians who use 'church speak,' or through enactment of laws more narrowly and punitively written. After years of enjoying political influence, the mirage of a legislated morality ought be obvious to Christians. National politicians that have been elected with wide support by evangelical Believers have not been able to do what only the Gospel of Christ can do - change human hearts.

Though the ages, the good news about Jesus has been validated by Christians who have served Him as they served others. Wherever the Church attempted to advance its influence on the tip of a sword, there was only failure, the establishment of a religion perhaps, but not the transformation of a culture. We need to study those history lessons and remember what Jesus urged on us when He showed us the heart of a Servant while He lived among us.

We do not lack for ministry opportunities, Believer! The prisons of America are overflowing. Are we stepping up to share the Word with inmates in Bible studies, and as we do, are we ready to show them the genuine love of Jesus Christ as we embrace them, weep with them, and ask God to bring them new hearts? The families of America are breaking up under terrible pressures. Are we teaching people to keep their covenants by keeping ours; to choose to live with less things so they can live more sanely and wholly by reducing our consumption? Are we modeling concern for those who are oppressed? As ignorant persons foment hatred, do we speak fearlessly to the prejudice that grows from fear, even at the cost of popularity? A sin-sick society, plagued with sexual dysfunction and greed needs models of purity and generosity. Do we confront our own sins and weaknesses with earnest prayer and pursuit of the fruit of Spirit life outlined in Galatians 5; "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (5:22-23, NIV) so that we might lead the way to Christ, who saves from sin?

Nehemiah, the restorer of Jerusalem, points us in the right direction in our desire to bring God to our world. The Word tells us that when he encountered the threats of those who wanted to stop his work he "prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves." (Nehemiah 4:9, NLT) We cannot just disappear into our churches and pray, nor can we only take on the challenges with hard work. Prayer without hard work produces few results. Hard work without prayer produces no lasting results.

Our response to the criticisms of our culture must not be defensive. We must never return attack for attack! Instead, with the same humility Jesus showed to those who constantly attacked Him, we must serve without needing affirmation. We must ask the Spirit to empower us, not in the usual sense, but in our hearts with courage and stamina to continue to do good, for God's glory alone. Our Master asks nothing less of us.
"Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world." (Matthew 28:19-20, CEV) "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:7-8, NLT)

Here I am, Lord. I will serve You and my world in Your Name, so help me, God.
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