Dear Americans,
We’re lukewarm. You may take offense to that label, but on the worldwide spectrum we’re the ones praying, but only before bed to tick it off the checklist, honoring God’s name when it’s involved in national sports, but using it carelessly when talking to friends, and dressing up for Sunday church, but never thinking about the message the other six days.
We’re the ones who stick in a comfort zone of ownership. This is my house, my church, my friends, my lifestyle, and my career that I’ve worked so hard for…and God, you just can’t have it. God can stick around as a Sunday morning savior, but He’s not welcome to touch anything outside of that allotted hour. I’ve definitely lived this way.
This isn’t the norm.
Pastors and their families in India are publicly embarrassed and harassed for their faith. Many are killed every year.
Christians in Vietnam put themselves at risk any time they mention the name Jesus in their communist country.
Followers of Christ in Cambodia choose hope for their country after genocide leaves poverty and devastation.
YWAM Thailand members approach students on college campuses and ask to talk about Jesus. “Who is Jesus?” or “I think I’ve heard that name in a book or movie.” are often the answers.
In America, it’s just too easy to kinda-sorta follow Jesus, because unlike India, Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand, it doesn’t cost much. If you want to know more about Him, Google a list of churches in your area. If you want to label yourself a Christian, it won’t cost your life or your family’s. How much do we need to lean on God for our survival? Is there even room to really need Jesus?
Our religious freedom is such a blessing, but unfortunately it’s lulled us into a place of not needing to take a serious stance of faith. We’ve forgotten that prayer can literally heal, raise the dead, cast out demons, and change the hurt we see in the world. We’ve forgotten that Jesus calls us friends and bride. We’ve forgotten the He asks us to lay down our life no matter what the cost because what we find in Christ is so much better. We’ve forgotten as Francis Chan says that “nothing you do in this life will ever matter unless it’s about loving God and loving the people He has made”
When I get back to America in November,I don’t want to take for granted what others would do anything to have. I don’t want to forget the serious and dedicated way Christians I have met on this Race love the Lord. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen at home. In writing this, I am not trying to bring shame. I know this message is for me too. I just want to cast a light on something dangerous that is so much easier to see when you step outside America for 11 months. It looks different on this side.
America, you don’t have to stay lukewarm. We can choose to not be content with a surface level relationship with God who died for us. You can choose to not take an all powerful and all loving God so casually. Fight for the change you want to see in your own walk with the Lord, your church’s commitment to serving others the way Christ served, and your nation’s honor of God.
We don’t have to be lukewarm.
