What is “transformation?” It is a metamorphosis from one state to another. It requires a “change” – a change of attitude and a change of action. We are admonished to “grow” to maturity. Sometimes this means a reexamination of our assumptions about what it means to be a Christian. When I was growing up what it meant to be a “mature” Christian was governed by a limited viewpoint. A “Christian” was one who 1) had “doctrine’ right and 2) did church “right” and 3) did not engage in what our group considered “worldly” practices.
What did this mean in practice? Having doctrine right meant that true Christians were those than had the “the doctrine” right according to standard “Church of Christ” views. Everyone with a different viewpoint were going to hell. Oh we didn’t say this “out loud,” but our evangelistic practices certainly pointed this way. These practices were all about teaching the denominations about how they had things all wrong.
Having doctrine right meant that “knowledge” of the bible was supreme. The only congregations one could associate with were those having the “right practices.” Doing anything with other denominations would certainly get one “churched.” As I was growing up, we could not engage in things like having cards in the home as that was gambling. Later, my wife and I did not let our six year old do square dancing for P.E. at school. For, after all, members of the church didn’t dance and we had to be consistent.
You see, my “world-view” of what it meant to be a Christian really consisted of getting others to think and practice as I did. So, I was very zealous in “home bible studies” and combating “error.” What happened to change this? It was a growing understanding that my assumptions of what constituted being a “disciple” were in large part wrong. This was not an instantaneous event, but happened over years. Perhaps it begin when my wife and I had to “create” a chart on Christ’s life for home bible studies. Charts used for home bible studies were all about dispensations, Acts 2, and the organization of the church. Christ’s life was barely mentioned.
Traveling across the world also broadens understanding. Being part of Let’s Start Talking, training groups, and experiencing the impact on unchurched readers helped in growth. You see, the thing that touched the unchurched was not “doctrine” or “getting things right”. Rather, it was how our group acted and the service they provided. Readers would say “we don’t know why your group is so different,” but that is what we want.
Today, my view of being a Christian is what I hope to be a more mature and spiritual view. It starts with loving God and further loving our neighbor. It also requires unity. Why should the unchurched want to be a part of a fellowship that can’t be united themselves? The postmodern, unchurched person worldview doesn’t include believing in absolute truth. So doctrine means nothing. What does? Authentic actions. This is so consistent with the third mark of a true Christian—demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit in his life.
We are all given spiritual gifts. Why? To perform works of service so that we can all become mature. This means reaching out to the community around us, not just our own congregation. So, my view of what it means to be a Christian has changed radically. I had to put aside old assumptions and actions. With the help of the Spirit and other more mature Christians I hope to have gained a better understanding of true discipleship.
Comment
Thanks Lynn for sharing this. It is encouraging as a younger man when older people see things how our society views them. Do you think that most postmodern people don't see absolute truth entirely, or there are just certain times they choose to neglect it? What are the ramifications for us to consider from an evangelistic perspective?
Wow! Thank you for sharing this. May I add that it is sooooo important to encourage congregations to provide many opportunities for ALL their folks to experience witnessing in other cultures and foreign lands. You get to see first hand the gospel's impact there. Having been in mission work for over 30 years....I often feel depressed when I hear non-evangelistic peers espousing their views of "rightness". However, you are soooo on target when you note that serving in our communities and being evangelistic to the unchurched is as valuable in allowing the Spirit to use us as a tool in God's hand. When we submit to His purpose, His plan, our calling in this way the outcome most often is transformation into His Image.
I can relate totally to your journey Lynn. So many things you mentioned have described my life in the past. I agree that one of the occurrences in my life that lead to major growth was missions... serving people who had nothing physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Completely hopeless. That is when I realized that the only One who could help them was Jesus. Not "correct" doctrine---and oh I have learned how incorrect I was---, not right actions, but the saving blood of Jesus Christ received through faith in the promises of God. Thank-you for the article!
Great thoughts, dad. I like the different experiences that you mention that helped you in your journey. The mistaken points of emphases in the past, the encounters with seekers and what is really important--I identify with this, as well as the mission trips.
They say that mission is the mother of theology. Engaging in mission ought to make you see what God is doing and what he is saying through this, as in Acts 15. Thanks for sharing!
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