Kevin Austin at Lakeside, Thailand, and other Exciting Places

There has been much in the media lately concerning Christianity’s influence in American politics and culture.   Questions like, “Is America a Christian nation?” and “Are we now a post-Christian nation?” are being asked.  The biggest issue being addressed is relevancy.  Is the Church relevant? Does Christianity have anything meaningful to contribute?

Some find these questions deeply unsettling.  Fingers are being pointed at the media, the white house, and educational institutions.  Some Christians are quickly defending and trying to “take back” what’s been taken. Unfortunately, these are the wrong actions to take.

Confession should be first.

We, the church in general, did this to ourselves.  In my lifetime I have watched the church work against racial reconciliation, ignore the environmental crisis, hurl judgements at unbelievers, ignore the poor, and favor war.  I have myself, a pastor and a Christian for my entire life, experienced a fair dose of hatred and intolerance.  There have been notable exceptions to some of this, but we, the American Church, are guilty of the sins of gluttony, sloth, greed, and malice.  We need to confess. We need to ask forgiveness from God, from our nation and from our neighbors.

Acknowledging the true reality should be second.

Our faith, our salvation, and our identities, are not dependent on whether or not America is a Christian nation or on what the media writes.  There is no need to be frightened or threatened.  We also don’t need to defend something that needs no defense.  God does not need to be defended.  Christianity is built on the rock of Jesus.  Nothing will topple it.

Everything from a heart of love is first, second, and last.

Jesus told his followers that they would be known by their love.  Not their truth, not by their nation, not by perfection, not by their service, not by their worship, not by their style of dress, not by their political affiliations.  Love.

Love.

We will be relevant as we live truly authentic Christian lives filled with hope and love.  We gave it away.  We can easily receive it back.  Our best response to hard questions and the spotlight of the media is to live truly authentic Christian lives without fear, without defense.  Our actions will speak.  Our love will shine. Our service will bless.