The Plague
I see a plague on the Christian subculture of America, particularly on those between ages 16-35 (my own demographic). It plays out like this…
A believer feels the presence of God in a big gathering or woship service. The music was loud, the lights were cool, the songs built to a crescendo and brought the believer to a point of epic emotional catharsis. The sermon was relevant and solid with a good mix of theology, application, and stories. The Christian left the rally/church service/youth camp/conference feeling like they had made a fresh decision to really live for The Lord. They were inspired and perhaps even convicted. Some would call this re-dedication.
A few hours after the event, the adrenaline leaves the system and the emotion fades into the gray folds and tucks of the brain’s corpus colloscum. The next morning, to the dismay of the believer, life continues on much as it has for his or her entire life; the alarm goes off, school and work await, traffic is bad, people on the highway are rude. By the time the day is done, it has been no different than any other, inspite of the fact that just hours ago, this Christian had the most unblievable experience at church/bible study/singles worship service.
Why is this the norm (because it really seems to be)? I have asked myself this question thousands of times (no exaggeration) and have come to one simple conclusion.
SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY. Much like my middle school romances, the Christian life of so many believers is up and down, hot and cold, on and off. Re-dedication becomes the pill that cures all sin and guilt and our lack of consistency is a direct reflection of a lack of maturity. We treat the Son of God like an old boyfriend or girlfriend that we can call up when we are lonely, make us feel good for a little while, then we move on without any substantive change or growth, and no real commitment.
A real relationship exemplifies maturity; sticking with a person regardless of how you feel, regardless of difficulty or inconvenience, regardless of the hard work exerted with little to show for it in the short-term. True faith plays out in a dirty, crooked world filled with criminals and loonatics. It plays out in how we treat our wives, how we talk to our children, and how we react to someone when we know they are lying to our face, but because we know Jesus, we are expected to return evil with good.
So for the next few days (more or less) I will be reflecting on what I call THE PLAGUE. But it will not be all bad, because I like to be a candle-lighter and not just a dark-curser.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Clayton, I am a youth & college pastor in Jacksonville Florida. I read your post this morning, but have read time and time before, the emotional highs of a service/camp/message. Why arent these people (or me) living for God now?!? I think the parable of the sower has a lot to do with it. I enjoy reading your blogs, and look fwd to this series of blogs. - Kevin http://www.pluth.org
March 27th, 2008 at 12:08 am
You’re right about that, Clayton. It’s a plague - a disease - a common misconception about the Christian walk. I’m going through Beth Moore’s study right now (I know, I know), but with my wife, and she pointed out what I’ve just glanced over in the past. What happened immediately following Jesus’ baptism? His initiation into His ministry? He was led into the wilderness where He was tempted by Satan for 40 days. The mountaintop experience came crashing down. The real world ensued. The real world flooded Him. But He was prepared. He battled His enemy of the ages with the timeless, changeless Word of the Living God. I think that’s part of what’s missing with those who have the plague–a love and passion for the Word. I had it several times in highschool. And every now and then it comes back. It comes in many forms now, though. Sometimes it’s the Monday blaahs after an amazing day of worship on Sunday. It comes. It came for Jesus, but He was prepared. Just my thoughts.
Love ya bro. .josh.
March 27th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
You’re so right, Clayton.
I think it also has to do with who a new Christian surrounds themself with. It’s difficult to leave a group of “friends” to seek out those who share your belief in Christ. It’s hard. But it needs to be something that happens, almost the next day after a decision is made. A new Christian needs the support and the strength of numbers for awhile, to gain knowledge and water the newfound relationship. Some are able to go to their old crew the next day, share their decision, and continue to spend time with them, if they accept their new life, but I’d say this happens rarely.
I think this plague could fall on the shoulders, at least somewhat, of believers in a church/revival setting that don’t follow up with those that they know made a decision. It’s our job as brothers and sisters in Christ.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
[...] Clayton began a series about The Plague. [...]