American Christianity?

TODAY'S READING: Romans 8:1-17
As I read this passage again it still challenges me. I can't tell you how many times I have read Romans 8, but there is something huge here. I can't help but being convicted by the words of Paul. These words challenge me about what it means to be a Christian. They cut to the heart of what a Christian really is.
I believe that American Christianity misses the point way too often. We have turned Christianity into the "Christian American Dream." Being a Christian in America means you have a nice house, a nice career, drive a nice car, raise a couple of children, and go to church. What was meant to be a lifestyle has become a hobby for many. Church is not who we are, it is something we do. Following Jesus has come to mean being a good citizen.
Where did we lose site of what it's really about? How have we been misled? Has the American Dream stolen our hearts from God's dream? A dream of sold-out disciples who are willing to lay it all aside for the cause of the Christ.
Did Jesus die so we could be more comfortable? Did He give his life so our life could be easier? Did God sacrifice His Son simply so we could enjoy life?I want to take a minute to consider three sentences from Romans 8...
"And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all."
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God."
"And since we are his children, we will share his treasures--for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering."
Has our culture led us to believe that we can have the treasures without the rest? Has our country's brand of Christianity bought into a lie that we don't really need to be led by the Spirit or experience suffering? Have we been deceived to the point where obedience to Christ centers around sitting in a pew on Sunday morning and engaging in a few acts of worship?
Now don't get me wrong. We should come together for times of worship and encouragement. We must help each other along on this journey called life. The body must work together and be together. But what of the Spirit-filled, sacrificial life that Paul writes about?
I am more and more convinced that Christianity is not dying in America primarily because of the moral decay of our nation. No. I think we have it backwards. I believe that moral decay is occurring because many churchgoers and churches are selling themselves short by being participants in religious activity as opposed to Spirit-filled, sold-out, sacrificial followers of the Christ. For many church has become a social club as opposed to a way of life.
I believe this generation has the ability to return to the heart of true discipleship. But there are some crucial questions to be answered. Are we willing to lay down our entire lives for the cause of Jesus? Can we let go of the possessions, materialism, and entertainment-centered culture that dominates our world? Is this a generation that will allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in every aspect of life? Are we willing to settle for a religion that is a part of our life or do we want a relationship with God that penetrates and consumes every aspect of who we are and what we do?

shine!
Jason