CHRISTIANITY “LITE”

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

 

We’ve seen the commercials on television. Whatever product might be fattening or abusive to our good health now is available in a “lighter” formulation. We can have our beer in “Lite” form as well as tons of other edible products. The companies who make such products are trying to fulfill the desires of our taste buds. It appears they have concern for our health, but in reality they just want to make more money. Possibly we should ask the question, if we consume such “Lite” edible products is it healthier or does it just delay the effects of eating and drinking such foodstuffs that are in the end not good for us anyway?

 

I was recently listening to a sermon by Alistair Begg and he mentioned this idea in reference to the faith of some Christians. What follows is my own perception of what may be happening within the hearts of many of those who claim to be Christian. I do not mean this to be derogatory towards them personally, but there are serious consequences for them if the commitment they say they have has no more foundation than being of the “Lite” version.

 

I wonder if there really is a version of Christianity that is of the “Lite” formulation. This particular “Lite” Christianity would be a faith that doesn’t really require obedience or commitment. You can claim to be a “Lite” Christian but not worry about obeying God’s Word. You can be involved in Christian activities but never have to really take on any responsibilities. In the life of a “Lite” Christian there is never sacrifice of any sort. Such “Lite” Christian individuals don’t want to pray for they are not that committed to their relationship with Christ. Does such a segment of Christian society exist today? Let’s look at some statistics that have been compiled.

 

Of all the people whose names appear on the membership roles of our churches:

 

5% don't exist.

10% can't be found.

25% never attend.

50% attend only once on a Sunday.

75% are involved in NO other Christian small group fellowship.

90% have no family devotions.

95% never lead a person to faith in Jesus Christ.

 

Possibly there is a large part of those who claim to be true Christians that are actually members of the Christianity “Lite” club. Such individuals look upon the thief on the cross as their role model. The thief on the cross did the only thing he could do on his last day on earth. He trusted in Christ and recognized who He was, Savior of the world. Christ knew the heart of this poor man and granted him salvation. But “Lite” Christians are individuals who make this level of commitment a lifestyle. They would state that since the thief on the cross committed his life to Christ and didn’t do anything beyond that, they can too. The thief had no opportunity to serve Christ, minister to others, demonstrate his spiritual gifts or obey various portions of God’s Word for he was in the last moments of his life on earth. This doesn’t matter to Christians who practice “Lite” Christianity. I would like to share with you a response to such a “Lite” Christian lifestyle.

 

“The idea of some how or another I don't have to worry about the demands of scripture, the commands of Christ, the instructions of His Word, the fact that there are things that God desires for me, I can just ignore all of that for the time being, I just want to have the ‘escape the condemnation’ package. I would just like to know that I am declared not guilty and then I'd like to go out and do whatever I like....The Bible doesn't have this version of Christianity.”

Alistair Begg

 

What Pastor Begg is saying here is that those living as “Lite” Christians want to escape hell and condemnation, but do not want to do anything more than that. How about a few more quotes from mature spiritual teachers:

 

“Stewardship is not just an investment of time, talent and treasure in the kingdom of God, but an investment of self.”

Author unknown

 

“The church is not to be like a bus, where passengers let someone else do the driving, but like an anthill, where everybody is at work.”

J.I. Packer

 

This version of Christianity that I have labeled “Lite,” is not Christian at all, but it should concern us that many of those in Christendom may be living this way. We ourselves may be tempted at times to follow such a path. It is only natural for our fleshly self to seek the lower path, the easier trail of living the Christian life. But if we truly listen to the Spirit and seek to obey the Word of God we will realize that the “Lite” version of Christianity that permeates our culture is not of God. Several scriptures you may be familiar with paint a different picture of Christianity.

 

Romans 12:1-2

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

 

When we face such a verse we realize that the grace and mercy that God granted us through His Son is not a “Lite” grace. God’s mercy is not “Lite” and neither should be our response and commitment. We are called to be living sacrifices. This entails a major commitment of our life to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to be dedicated servants, not when convenient, but continually.

 

Other scriptures share of what we should do and not do. Not because we are to live a life of rules and regulations, but because we must be given boundaries so we can know what it means to live a true Christian life. Scriptural instruction is given not only for boundaries, but also for protection. We should know that God knows best and if we follow His instruction we can serve Him through our actions, we will be blessed for such behavior and also be kept safe from the horrible consequences of sinful activities. Examples of such scriptures are:

 

Romans 12:9-19

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends.”

 

Here we are given instruction on how to behave as “TRUE” Christians because it is good for others, good for us and good for God and His Kingdom. Our role model for Christian behavior is not someone following a “Lite” version of Christianity, but Jesus Himself who embodied the fullness of the gospel and holiness. Philippians 2:3-5 speaks of this when it says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”

 

The quality of our obedience and commitment reflects the truth of our salvation and relationship with Jesus. 1 John 3:24 says, “Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.”

 

One last warning quote from Pastor Begg:

 

“So you think because you taught it, you did it? You think because you understand it, you're living it? You think because you can write it on your wall, stick it in your wallet, or quote it in your car, or announce it to the people around you that that is actually your experience? When in point of fact it may be nothing more than your imagination.”

Alistair Begg

 

As all of us struggle with our fleshly desires and the temptations of life, let us not stumble into living our lives as Christians according to the “Lite” version. Let us focus our eyes on Christ, study His Word, minister to those in need, bring our hearts, minds and souls in submission to our Heavenly Father and pray continually for strength from God’s Holy Spirit that lives within us. If we find we have been living the “Lite” version of Christianity, possibly we need to repent and be saved.