“Let's bring our faith into high definition”
High Definition Christian
Define: Christian
Good luck with that. There are so many versions, and so many styles; and yet no vivid definition.
What we need, and what this world is looking for is a High Definition Christian.
Most of us would hesitate to even be associated with a living version of the predominant
stereotypical “Christian”. We may serve God and be follower of Jesus, but we don’t want to be
associated with the extremists who are known only for their judgmental statements, picketing, and
boycotts. We believe Christians should be known by their love…(I think John 13:35 says something
about this…) We cringe every time a “Christian” hits the news, bringing shame to what we identify
ourselves as. So we do everything we can to not be identified as one of those “Christians”. We try to
get outside of the Christian bubble, love others, be open-minded, and live in freedom. So we drink—
but just in moderation, of course. We cuss, but just for humor or effect. We watch movies that our
pastor wouldn’t, but it is because we’re a lot more in touch than he is. We hang out at questionable
places, originally to be a “light in the darkness”, but now really just for a good time. And here we are,
without even realizing it, living like the world, and with no Definition.
Please hear me, I’m not advocating closed-minded, hate-filled Christianity, and I do believe we
have freedom in Christ. But truly following Jesus is not found in either extreme. After all, Romans
12:2 does say, “Do not conform to the patterns of this world.” So what’s your definition? This is a
question we must all deliberately and personally answer—because without clarity and definition
on how we need to live our lives and impact the world around us, we will at best make zero impact
and at worst, harm those around us. Go read Matthew 25. God has given us all gifts, material things, a
calling, and a realm of influence. The question is what are we doing with what has been given to us?
Jesus told us to, “Go into all the world and make disciples…”. How well are we following that challenge
in our lives on a daily basis? Are we making the most of the time and opportunities given to us?
We look to one side and see “Christians” being mocked because of stupid public statements by
leaders who make us all look like idiots. Then we look to the other side and see a free-will, all-paths-
lead-to-heaven kind of Christianity that renders our faith completely ineffective out of fear that we
might offend someone who doesn’t agree with us. Neither one of those need to define us. What other
people do is of zero consequence to how we live our lives. The decisions we make and the love we
show to others are completely up to us. No one else will give account for your life but you.
Like most of us, I’m tired of being lumped together with stereotypical undefined Christianity. So
let’s bring our faith into High Definition…We need to not only embrace grace and freedom, but
remember that we are called apart, that what we have in our spirits separates us from the world. We
are supposed to be in the world, but not of it. We have a hope, a freedom, and a faith that the world is
looking for, and they need to see that difference in us in HD. Otherwise, what’s the point?
I want to be known for passion, love, and a heart that follows God and I want people to see that about
me, first thing. I don’t want to blend in. Our generation is looking for something to fill the void in
their lives. We have what they are looking for. We just need to define it in High Definition.
Who are you? What are you? Define it in HD.
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