Looking religious

TODAY'S READING: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
You know what really scares me when I read this passage? It reminds me of our culture today. It almost feels like Paul was able to watch an evening of American television in 2006. And while I may find it hard to believe, there have been many people like this for generations. The difference is that modern communications has brought much more of it to our attention and even into our homes.
It seems as though it is becoming more and more difficult to develop self-control. As the world discovers more and more ways to penetrate our mind, Satan uses them to brainwash us. What would have been thought of as unacceptable to most Christians a generation ago is now tolerated as "not so bad." Behaviors that would have been condemned when our grandparents were younger is "no big deal."
And while Christianity is much more than moral excellence, the lack of moral excellence is an indicator of where the heart is. It is a reflection of a deeper issue. There is so much about our culture that is rushed and shallow. And this attitude has even influenced the church.
Paul talks about this exact thing when he says in verse five, "They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly." He reveals a problem that seems to be present today. Acting religious without acting godly.
You have seen it before. Maybe in your church. Or in your family. Or even in the mirror. The ability to look religious when necessary, but not really changing on the inside. The reality is we all struggle with this at some level. None of us are as transparent as we should be. Most of us want to maintain the status of being a "good church member." I think the words of the Casting Crowns song "Stained Glass Masquerade" describe it best...

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the heart again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

I believe this is why Paul warned Timothy. He was fearful that Timothy would be influenced by the attitude of the day. Paul was concerned that Timothy would avoid real transformation and settle for external performance.
For many Christianity has become another mask to wear. Another routine. A hobby that requires certain behaviors. We have been slowly lulled into believing that who we really are doesn't matter as long as we look the part.
The problem is that when the curtain closes and the show is over, who will you be offstage? When its time to clean off the make up and get out of the costume, who is the real you?
We must be careful to stand strong in the midst of pressure. We should examine our lives to see if the things Paul is talking about are true in our lives. Do any of these things describe you...
Loving only yourself and your money.
Boastful and proud.
Scoffing at God.
Disobedient to your parents, and ungrateful.
Consider nothing sacred.
Unloving and unforgiving.
Slandering others and having no self-control.
Cruel and having no interest in what is good.
Betraying your friends, being reckless, puffed up with pride, and loving pleasure rather than God.
I would imagine most of us struggle with something on the list above. But the question is are we willing to acknowledge it and make the change. That will determine where we go from here and impact our ability to bring a little bit of heaven to earth.

shine!
Jason