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The Greatest Threat to Christianity

Right now we are hearing a lot about different things that "threaten Christianity" in our world and culture. It seems that almost daily I see Christians post on Facebook or on Twitter about CRT (critical race theory), the LGBTQ+ agenda, or Democrats' anti-Christian hostility and their attempts to undermine and eradicate churches from America. Still other Christians I know frantically post that actually Donald Trump, bigotry, or a lack of belief in science is the real threat.

Are these things, no matter which side you are on, important to discuss? Yes! They are all a part of the culture we inhabit and are called to witness to, so we Christians should engage thoughtfully and graciously with all of it. We desperately need to have the brutal, rigorous, and honest conversations about all of these divisive topics. Still, none of these things are the greatest threat to Christianity. NONE. Not even close.

The greatest threat to Christianity is, always has been, and always will be one thing; CHRISTIANS.

Whatever threats we perceive attacking the church, from without or within, the biggest danger to the witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has always been Christians who do not live faithfully to the calling they have received. The one thing that does more harm to our ability to minister to our communities is Christians who proclaim Jesus with one breath and curse their neighbor with the next.

No group of people or ideology has come close to hampering the witness of Jesus than the Jesus followers. The term "Christian" has become synonymous with hypocrite. Is this fair? Maybe, maybe not. While there is no place on this planet you can go to escape hypocrisy, Christians are supposed to live up to higher standard.

Christians have commodified, simplified, and individualized the faith to such an extent that it has generally lost all power. We've watered down the Gospel to merely a feel-good message that there is nothing of worth left to offer, or we've yoked Christian faith to something foreign to it such as politics or a certain cultural ideal of what success is.

So the next time someone says CRT or Donald Trump is the greatest threat to the Gospel or Christianity, don't buy it. Those things may be things that need to be discussed seriously and their impact on Christians examined rigorously, but they aren't the real threat. It has always been those who bear the name of Christ failing to live out their calling with humility and faithfulness.

Still, I have hope. Christianity isn't about Christians. It's always been about Jesus. In the midst of all the hypocrisy, power grabbing, and fear there has always been and always will be a remnant faithfully pursuing life with Jesus. Things are not worse now than they have ever been. Sin is still just as nasty, and Jesus is still reigning supreme in glory. 

I encourage you to pray for the Church. Pray that we keep our eyes ever focused on Jesus. Pray for faithfulness, humility, and wisdom for all Christians. Pray for growth and the obedient spirit to submit to it when the moment comes. As always pray for the return of Jesus.

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