Can we keep our Christian faith to ourselves? Over the centuries, there have been people who have kept their Christian faith hidden away. Sometimes in a monastery or even as a hermit. But many of these people used their time in prayer for the community and to give thanks and praise to God. There have always been those who simply kept Jesus to themselves, considering their faith mostly in times of need.

I have begun to believe that American Christianity along with many of the world’s Christians are taking their faith as a matter of convenience. It is not necessarily a lack of belief, but more of a missing devotion. Love and loyalty to Jesus are not relevant in our day-to-day living, just emergencies—as if we keep him behind glass with a sign that says break in case of emergency.

This is all part of the age-old desire to make Jesus in our own image. In our image, he is there to help when asked and never seriously challenges our decisions. It seems these days a lot of folks are what they call spiritual. Whatever works for them is considered good enough.

While traveling out of town, I saw a store with a sign that read “Ancients of Days, Rocks Fossils, Christian Supplies.” There was also a floating Jesus figure and pictures of crystals and other rocks. I understand freedom of worship in Christianity. But it seems that looking for power in crystals and other objects is a somewhat self-centered endeavor. When mixed with Christian beliefs, it becomes a lite-beer version of the Christian faith—using the name but not the same.

Years ago, I was one of those who often kept my faith to myself. I did pray and it was important to keep me connected to God, but it was mostly for myself or what I cared about. Worship was all too rare and not enough to make a difference in the way I lived. In retrospect, I was only focused on myself. Now, to be transparent, I still find there are times that I need correction to keep Jesus at the center of my faith and focus. It is judgment on my soul and faith as played out in my daily living. For this, I am grateful. For only God knows how to judge me in a life-giving way that makes me a better man and Christian. Sometimes the Lord uses the voice of those around me, but it is time spent listening to God in prayer, reading scripture, worship, and communion that opens me up to understanding who I can be and the desire to be the person God has made. All of us, in our own unique way, are made to hear the voice of the Lord and act for the benefit of others as well as ourselves, as we journey with Jesus Christ.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus begins a successful ministry in a small Galilean town. It seems to be a comfortable place to carry out teaching about the kingdom of God and showing it to people in love and healing. But in prayer, he listens and then follows the Holy Spirit across Galilee to Jerusalem and the Roman cross. For this is how all Christians have come to know him and he has become our salvation. After he had finished praying, Jesus told his disciples: “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also, for that is what I came out to do. And he went throughout all Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.” Mark 1:38-39

Christianity is communal, built for the individual to enjoy a new life with God and to share the work of Christ in our world.

Join us Sunday and let’s look together at the life of Jesus, his teachings, ways, and will for us.

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Pastor Rick