I read the Facebook post with great interest. It was from a friend from my past who is a member of another Presbyterian Church. His post included a picture that stated, "This Christian supports..." I won't share the issue, as that's not what this post is about. However, I was concerned as I read his reasoning. He stated that, "After much soul-searching..." and "In deference to those I love...I have decided..."
This is a person for whom I have had a great deal of respect (and still do!), so I was curious as to how he had changed his mind. So I asked how he had come to his conclusion. I asked (I am paraphrasing) if he had some new insights into Scripture. His response, truth be told, had nothing to do with the Bible.
It prompted me to think about how Christians make decisions. After chewing on it for a couple of months, I am mostly disappointed with the Church (in the broadest sense). I am convicted that the Church (and I'm pointing my finger at me as well!) has failed in that we have not passed down the faith handed to us by generations of faithful Christians. In this instance, we have not impressed upon our church attendees the authority of Scripture and the role the Bible has in shaping how we think, talk, and act. The irony is I am part of a tradition (Reformed) that has always held a very high view of Scripture. We believe that scripture IS the Word of God. We have affirmed what Scripture says about itself:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)
When it comes to decisions, I fear fewer and fewer Christians turn to God's Word for guidance. Whereas we once stood under the text, striving to adhere to the will and way of God as revealed in His Word, we now stand over the text, dissecting and picking and choosing what we want. Whereas Christians once looked at culture through the lens of Scripture, it is now the case that we look at Scripture through the lens of culture...if we look at Scripture at all. Thus, culture and self have become authoritative. Christians, consequently, are becoming more and more biblically illiterate. Again, here is a failure of the Church.
I love the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise. (I understand they are in pre-production on a 5th movie. While some are of the opinion that the series has been played out, I say, "Bring it on!" I can't get enough of Captain Jack Sparrow!) In the series, Captain Jack has a unique compass. The compass does not point north, but rather it points to what Jack (or whoever is holding it) wants most in the world. At one point, it leads Jack to a bottle of rum. At another, it leads him to buried treasure. What a great illustration for us. Each of us has an internal "compass" that points to whatever we want. This is even true when it comes to issues of faith.
Back in 2009, I was alarmed (but not surprised) to read that Barna research had revealed four emerging themes in terms of faith in America. (I say "not surprised" because of all the missional church work done over the past 15-20 years, indicating we are living in a post-Christian society.) Of particular interest is that many are choosing an "individual and customized" faith experience, as opposed to an adherence to what I would call orthodox Christianity. Equally alarming is that biblical literacy doesn't seem to be a goal for most people or churches. People know "sound bytes" of Scripture or (because of incredible advancements in technology that afford you information at your fingertips) they rely entirely on their smart phones if they are interested in looking up a particular passage. As I have said often to our congregation, however, if the Scripture isn't in your head, it's not going to be in your heart!
Instead, many have adhered to a "what's good for me is good for me and what's good for you is good for you" mentality. Faith has become relative. I can't help but think of the situation in Israel during the time of the Judges:
"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." (Judges 17:6 & 21:25, NIV)
What we want, unfortunately, is not always what's best for us. I can spend time "soul-searching" or go on an "inner journey" and, with enough time spent, end up justifying just about anything- believe me! Without God's guidance, my compass is going to eventually point in whatever direction I want.
As followers of Jesus who have declared Him as Lord of our lives, one of our tasks is to align our lives with that of God. Thus, our desires should match God's! Our heart should match God's! Our minds should match God's! And when we make decisions in life, no matter how big or how small, God's Word must have authority over us. They do not shackle us, but rather they set us free. They are Words of life!
So how do you make decisions? Do you turn to God and His Word or do you do "as you see fit"? Is God your compass or, like Captain Jack, do you follow your own inner compass of desire?
I end with this Scripture for you to ponder:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2, NIV)
