Are You Duped?

As I read the scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, I discover many Christians have been taken in by a subtle but dangerous philosophy. A philosophy which I am hard pressed to expose because it is so close to being the real thing. It has tangible results. It works and is rewarded. It feels right. This philosophy has not only duped individual believers; it has gained momentum swaying masses away from the head, Christ. And this is why it must be explored, exposed and put in its proper place if we are to follow Christ.

Being rooted in a conservative evangelical tradition, we are quick to see the embellishments and abuses of the prosperity movements gone amuck. Yet it is us who are more in danger of becoming duped! We often gloat in our ability to point out the obvious yet go blind when the light gets turned on to our satisfied way of Christian living.

How is the Christian living movement duping us?

We learn the bible as a book of “behaviors,” “principles” and “concepts” so that we can experience the Christian life. Did you catch it? Not one mention of loyalty to Christ. Not one mention of exalting Christ. If you examine closely you will see the subtle but dangerous “I” is enthroned. This philosophy is rooted not so much in pleasing God but pleasing self. It desires to control and create comfort. It superimposes the American Dream on the Bible. Upward mobility trumps absolute surrender. By default we reduce the bible to a self-help book.

The expression of a good behavior is not for personal benefit but for proclamation of a great King. The Gospel demands glorying in Christ regardless of personal gain or glory. God is not impressed with good social living but with a faith-filled life, a life that trust Christ’s work more than social approval.

I understand I have painted “Christian Living” with a broad stroke; this is by design. I want to explore this topic more fully in subsequent posts, exploring various aspects of “Christian Living.” You can check out Dr. Michael Horton’s book Christless Christianity. I assure you, as we allow the Holy Spirit and a hearty dose of scripture searching, we can root out any Idols that may have us held captive.

Chris Gilliam © 2010