Pastor's Blog

Christianity, Truth and Downward Mobility

Posted on December 17, 2009 by Pastor Tom

One of the temptations I face as a pastor is “selling” my faith with all its benefits. I could tell people that coming to Christ can help you make sense of your world. Or it will give you inner peace. Or it gives you morality. Or it’s something that will give you passion for life. All these “benefits” are possible in the Christian life.

But every other faith can claim the same benefits. So religion can simply become a polite competition for the spiritually seeking. It seems like our society has settled into that understanding of religion. “Whatever works for you is great.” “It’s all food,” I once heard. “Each faith is like a different section of the spiritual buffet.”

If this is the case, it’s no wonder that the “non-religious” get skeptical or apathetic. They can see each faith as simply another attempt to sell them something. Or the “spiritual buffet” image lessens any urgency or importance of faith.

However, if we raise the question of truth, the stakes become much higher. I am convinced by the evidence that Christianity and its claims are true. That frees me to be completely honest with someone about why I think they must seriously consider Christ. I’m not trying to sell something. I’m not trying to dress it up so it’s more attractive than the next religion. I don’t get a commission. I simply present the evidence and ask others to consider it.

This truth claim also protects them from false expectations or disappointment.
Following Christ does bring great benefits. But it doesn’t mean all problems go away. It doesn’t mean there will be no suffering. In fact it might increase suffering. It might mean losing a position of privilege. It might mean losing a life (as thousands of Christians did just that this past year around the world because of their faith).

If Christianity provides only a few mild benefits than can be found in any other faith, why do Christians endure suffering and downward mobility and even death? That’s a complete waste if you can find the same thing at the next religious store. But if Christianity is true, then it all might make sense and be worthwhile.

During this season, we Christians remember Christ’s coming. One of the Gospels
describes his coming this way – “The true light which enlightens every man was coming into the world.” The true, genuine, non-counterfeit, real light came into the world. This same Gospel claims He stepped into history at a specific point in time and became “flesh” or “human.” This is the mystery and wonder of the Christmas season.

We might think it so amazing and cute that Jesus came as a baby and was laid in a manger. But this was the ultimate act of downward mobility. He left the glories of heaven to be born into the frail state of an infant, in a little know city, in a nameless inn’s stable to parents in poverty. If true, then suffering for His name’s sake, losing a position of privilege and even dying for His name seems par for the course. I don’t want to sell you anything. I invite you to examine the evidence and claims of Jesus. Merry Christmas to you all!

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