Most Christians are educated way beyond their level of obedience, according to Dr. John Maxwell.
And it’s awkward.
Like an overweight doctor telling me I have to lose weight, or someone with a degree in business management who clearly can’t manage.
I get it; it’s a cultural thing. I am absolutely a fan of our education system, but many degrees are designed primarily to learn information about something. Though this is a good thing, you don’t have to be able to do any of the stuff you learn; you just have to memorize information about it and then you’re the “expert.” The church can be the same. We are creating a culture of armchair quarterback Christians who are loud, opinionated “experts” shouting from the living room at their TV. They don’t actually participate in giving to the poor, social justice, or evangelism, but they are quick to tell everyone how it should be done.
And it’s awkward.
Like the guy with the Jesus fish on his bumper who gives you the bird as he cuts you off in traffic. Like the angry blogger who fully believes in tolerance vehemently ripping apart someone who thinks differently.
So, to all those who claim to be Christian.
I am not asking if you think taking care of the poor is a good idea, I am asking do you take care of the poor?
I am not asking if you agree with Jesus, I am asking do you actually try living like him?
I am not asking if you believe prayer is a great idea, I am asking if you actually pray?
I am not asking if you think spending time with your family is important, I am asking if you actually spend quality time with your family?
I am not asking if you think church is important, I am asking if you actually make it a priority?
Just because someone knows the right information about a topic doesn’t at all mean they are living it out.
Are you educated way beyond your level of obedience? What bothers me even more are the sideline, armchair, living room (you pick the metaphor) Christians who rip apart those who are trying to make a difference. Don’t get me wrong. We need accurate, well-studied people, but what we need more are well read, theologically sound Christians who are actually living like Christ.
If you are not, well . . .
It’s awkward.
Honestly, I think I am guilty too. I don’t want to just talk about Jesus. I also want to mirror his ways in my family, church, and community.
I think the juxtaposition in the Bible is right on! Though our good works don’t save us (Ephesians 2:8-9) if our salvation is not active, it may be dead (James 2:17).
Mike Colaw is lead pastor at Trinity Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis, Ind. He blogs regularly at www.luke117.com.
