Even a casual reader to the Bible should notice how many times it uses contrasts: rich man/ beggar, house with a solid foundation / house built on the sand, wise man / foolish man and the list could go on and on. But I am deeply concerned with a contrast that the Bible states should be evident to everyone but it is not.
That contrast is between the lifestyle of the Christ-follower and those who do not know Christ. It is a sad commentary but it is hard to tell the difference! Allow to quote George Barna's research on America's spirituality, "For example, among those who believe they are Christians, just one-fifth say they live in a way that makes them completely dependent on God. A similar proportion of Christians claim that the single most important decision they have ever made was to invite Jesus Christ to forgive them and become their savior. And just one-sixth of Christians say they are totally committed to engaging in personal spiritual development."
The culture we live in expects a person who says they have committed their life to Christ to be different and rightly so. Romans 12:2 "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think..." Most Americans call themselves spiritual people and Christians. Yet, why is spiritual transformation so rare and fleeting? People are not looking for conformity but transformation. 2 Corithians 5:17 "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
For more information see: George Barna
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