I live in an area called “the Bible Belt.” It is an area where there are many, many churches. I live out of town about 12 miles from the church that I attend. From my home to my church I can recall passing 8 churches. This is not uncommon for areas in the South. Does this mean that our area is concentrated with those set apart to follow Christ? The answer to that would depend on your definition of a Christ-follower. Is it easy to gain this title in America? My answer would be yes. I believe we have watered down or diluted the meaning of being a follower of Christ. A vast majority of people in America would answer in the affirmative when asks if they were a Christian. Some believe all you need to do to fit in this category, is to attend church when it is convenient or say a prayer occasionally. For the most part, “Christianity” in America costs you nothing.
A study by Pew Research found 68% of Americans profess to be Christians, yet only 47% say they attend services weekly. In African and Latin American countries, 79% to 98% of those professing Christ say their faith is the most important thing in their lives. In these African countries, 60% to 75% of professing Christians say they pray and attend church at least once a week. So why the discrepancies? After reading studies and talking with those who have lived, worked, or visited, other countries, it seems that the greatest desire to follow Christ is in areas where it is the hardest. Some are from countries where there are no conveniences of transportation, however, they don’t mind walking miles to worship with other believers. Many must choose Christ over family. They push forward to worship knowing it will cost them the relationships of those they love dearly. Then there are those who meet secretly in underground churches for fear of their lives if found out. These Christians have weighed the cost and the benefits, and they chose to follow no matter what it will cost. I’m sure, in my mind, if they were to visit America, where there is such freedom and opportunity to worship, they would feel as if they have Heaven on earth.
In Acts chapters 6-8, we have the account of the first Christian martyr. Stephen was truly a follower of Christ. He spoke the truth about Christ and was murdered because of it. This was not just a group of people who didn’t want to talk about religion. He was addressing those in authority in the synagogue and the multitude of those seeking to find fault with those who followed Christ. He never backed down because he was fully committed to Jesus. He knew the reward of standing firm was the inheritance of Heaven and eternity with the one he loved the most, Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:1 “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.”
In Acts 8:1, we see the results of the persecution. This persecution did not shut down the church it caused it to spread. The same is true today, where there is persecution the gospel is growing rapidly.
We have not seen this type of growth or persecution in America, at least not in my lifetime. The very freedom that allows us to proclaim the gospel has caused us to sit quietly. We have become comfortable with our “freedom of religion” and it has changed the culture to believe we have no right to impose our beliefs on anyone else. Some take the attitude if you live in America, where the gospel is everywhere, that there is no need to be a personal vocal witness. This is disobedience to Jesus’ commission when He left the earth.
Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
The command Christ left for us was not a command to grow wealthy, comfortable, and satisfied. It was not a command to take the blessings of God as a sign that we are doing everything right. We have been blessed to share the gospel, not hold it captive. If we fail to live a separated holy life in America it is because we chose to.
I fear the day when many American Christians stand before God to give an account of how they lived their lives for Christ. Multitudes will stand before Him who have never sacrificed anything for Him. Their hands will be bloody with the blood of those in Hell, that God placed under their influence. When God tries their works, they will burn when placed in the fire. What a horrible feeling to have known Him, and be blessed by Him, yet to find that all those blessings were used selfishly.
I Corinthians 3:12-15 “Now if any man builds upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abides which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire.”
I love John Piper’s words concerning the American Christian and his desire as a Christian. He said: “I don’t want to be a comfort-seeking, entertainment-addicted, security-craving, approval-desiring Christian.”
This should be the desire of every Christian’s heart. Yet in America, I fear he is describing the average Christian. Examine your heart today and determine to be a witnessing, holy living, stand up for Christ, type of Christian. It will cost you nothing but will gain you everything in eternity.
