Much of what I hear and read these days seems to be all about labels, buzz words and strategies. I can’t keep up with them all and when I try, every one has their own definitions. Words like missional, emergent, simple, reformed, etc. etc.
What do these labels describe? I’ve given it some thought and want to write about these observations. These labels (among other things) seem to indicate a desire to prescribe an over-arching philosophy, or core principals, on which a particular “sect” is building. From what I have come to understand about these strategies, they describe (at least to the outward observer) mostly good things which the body should be doing. But I think the insatiable desire to label ourselves is a sign of an underlying problem in the body of Christ. You see, I believe we err when our identity is shaped by these labels and strategies.
Our identity should be in Christ. These is no distinction in Christ. No male. No female. No orthodox. No charismatic. etc. etc. Fill in the blanks.
Christ said He would build the church and that everything else would be burned up. The modern American church will see a lot of fire it seems…
As such, let’s change the way we do “business”. Perhaps we can have some of Christ’s gold here in these last days…
As we give ourselves labels we segregate ourselves. We describe our strategies and beliefs and thus divide ourselves from anyone not willing to conform to these ideas. (I’m not talking about basic tenants of the faith here).
As we develop these grand plans, we often become servants to these strategies. If we’re not careful we can leave Jesus out of the picture. Then once the strategy begins to produce the desired results, we have the “confirmation” we need to sell our souls out to it.
Oswald Chambers once wrote that there is nothing so potentially dangerous to the Christian worker than the work. To selling our souls to the work and leaving behind the one thing that is most important – relationship with Jesus Christ. We become so attached to the plan. Soon, the strategy begins to be the primary driver and focus – and it compels us. We become the “Purpose (or Strategy) Driven Church”.
I don’t think Christ ever intended us to be “Driven” by a strategy. Last time I check we were to follow Him and be compelled by Love. Eph 5:1 & 2 Cor 5:14
What happens when Christ tells us to move in a different direction? To abandon the “strategy”. We can find ourselves arguing with God and rebelling against His will. (I’m thinking of Jonah right now).
Luke 14:16-20 reads: And He (Jesus) said to him, A certain man made a great supper and invited many. And he sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, Come, for all things are now ready. And all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said to him, I have a piece of ground, I must go and see it. I beg you, have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I beg you, have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
May we always be willing to give up our priorities for His!
Why do we have such a desire for labels? Are we describing what we are? Or what we want to be?
In the early days I’m told Christians didn’t label themselves but were called “Christian” by their heathen observers. Letting others label us is a far more effective method of determining our fruit than dubbing ourselves with a label we like. Do you call yourself a prophet or do others testify by your fruit? Do you call yourself a leader or do others? Do you label yourself a Christian or does the world call you a Jesus freak?
In part, we label ourselves because its better than what the world calls us and its better than what other sects of the church call us! Ouch! (Sorry, just trying to call it like I see it). :\
If anything, we should be looking at the labels Jesus provided in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 to see where we fit: Ephesus, Smyrna, Philadelphia, Laodicea, etc. Uh oh. We Americans love to coin new buzz words to describe our strategies and plans too. We pursue with all of our American-bred work ethic these constructs and strategies confident that we will change the world with them and bring glory to God’s name (with some left-overs for ourselves of course…)
Have we stopped to wonder why we are driven to begin with? Paul ran a race but he never ran ahead of Christ. He was running after the front runner – Jesus Christ. We in America are “driven” as a way of life and we don’t know why – we just drive forward with an insatiable desire of conquest. It’s in our heritage. Manifest Destiny! At all costs! So much so that when Christ whispers “stop” or “turn” or “wait”, we don’t hear him but keep plowing right along.
Paul attempted to enter Asia but the Spirit would not permit him. (Acts 16:6) Many of our church strategies are influenced by business models that have been designed for capitalism (no doubt influenced by Mammon himself) which have become the norm for church planning and planting and they can drive us into “Asia” even though the Spirit is shouting “STOP! I have a different job for you; a different strategy!”
We are driven by a motto – Success at all costs. Oh yeah, and it must be measurable too.
I believe God measures success much differently than we tend to however…
The largely unchallenged belief that we must be driven is a foundation that affects much of what we do, including one of our many problems in the church: works without knowing (or forgetting) our first Love. Being driven isn’t a bad thing if it is by a compelling love for the Author and Finisher of our faith. But if we are driving because it makes us feel important or we seek self glory, we should reevaluate.
“Winning” is different from “succeeding.” Most Americans won’t agree however.
One of the most popular Christian authors of our time tells us about a life and church that are both driven with purpose. I don’t dispute many of the concepts; I simply believe we must not be driven because it’s simply the thing to do to make myself “feel” worthy, important, etc.
I think we should write a book called “The Christ-led Life” and “The Christ-led Church”. One problem though – I don’t think it would sell a zillion copies… This type of life and church requires too much personal death on a cross for our liking…
Wait! That book is already written. It’s called the New Testament… I digress. 
When we view church growth as the primary goal and measurement of success we have lost our focus. Church growth isn’t primarily about numbers (though growth is often a thing).
Jesus had huge crowds following him, but He ran them off when He spoke of true discipleship.
Remember what happened when he told his “followers” they must eat his flesh and drink his blood?
Remember what the young, rich ruler did when Jesus told him to sell all his goods?
When this ruler walked away saddened at the cost Jesus required, Jesus didn’t run after him trying to convince him of all the awesome promises found in the Christian walk. Instead, He let him walk away.
Growth requiring no cost was of no interest to Jesus.
In one case Jesus saw a multitude and immediately left for the “other side”; He didn’t even stop to give a message or take an offering.
Remember how he encouraged “potential followers” to count the cost before taking the life of discipleship? Who goes about building a tower without first calculating the cost? (Luke 14:27-29)
True growth will come out of the overflow of the Spirit in the lives of believers and as the church finds unity in the fear of the Lord. Then the church will be added to daily. (Acts 2:42-47)
Consider the first century Christians in Rome. They were being killed left and right – being used for tiki torches at Nero’s garden parties – their church grew.
That early church didn’t have a written strategy or plan. Or a label. Their strategy was to know Christ and Him crucified. (1 Cor 2:2)
Take the church of Laodicea which (in the opinions of some) closely resembles the state of the American church – sprawling with wealth, intelligence and growth. Yet what did Jesus say of her? Something about vomit… (Rev 3:15,16)
In contrast, I’m sure the church of Smyrna was too busy dodging prison, tribulation and poverty to be concerned with being “seeker-sensitive”, “missional” or “reformed”, etc.. They weren’t trying to figure out what guest speaker will bring the greatest draw, or when to end worship service before people get “tired” of worshiping, or the maximum amount of time a sermon must last before the congregation looses “interest”. Yet what does Christ say about her? (Rev 2:10)
I’m not trying to take this into legalism. My point isn’t to talk anyone into totally abandoning good plans; but rather to focus our primary energies and priorities to this: To know Jesus Christ, His Spirit and His plans. To once again fall into an intimate and passionate pursuit of our Lord and Savior. To know the hope of His calling, the riches of His inheritance and the greatness of his power toward us who believe. (Eph 1:15-20)
Then out of this relationship our lives and the lives of those we disciple to Christ will begin to look more and more like Jesus instead of the world. We will bear good fruit.
To do this, I believe many in the church must begin to think differently. And teach others to think differently. We must break barriers and walls of division and separation. It’s time to get rid of denominations and clubs. We who believe in Christ are family – brothers and sisters. What loving family ostracizes each other just because of differing beliefs, preferences and social natures? It seems our family does. The family that God has designed to show forth His love can’t get along with each other much of the time. Well, I submit it’s time for this nonsense to stop.
Anything that takes us away from Christ must be discarded. And make no mistake – many in America have gotten away from Christ. We are driving, driving, driving, all for the kingdom but we’ve forgotten our first Love. In the process, we’ve burned ourselves out and turned away people from the truth.
We haven’t entered His rest; we’ve forgotten it exists.
The thousands upon thousands we manage to ‘convert’ don’t exhibit the fruit spoken of in the Bible.
We rejoice in the casting out of our demons, yet we don’t think to rejoice that our names are written in Heaven. Why? Our priorities are misaligned. Our walk on earth has become (for many) a luxurious place where we glory in our accomplishments and the respect we have earned, and the exploits we have accomplished.
We speak in other tongues and prophesy of things to come; we form delegations and committees to ensure every jot and tittle of scripture is argued; we spend masses of wealth to ensure the airwaves are filled as we push ourselves into every nook and cranny of the world and others’ lives. Yet woe to us if Christ is left behind playing second fiddle.
We must learn to examine our hearts. To till the fallow ground. How much time do we allow to pass before we humble ourselves in repentance? Success has left us comfortable and proud and we assume our unbroken success is a good measure of our how big our treasure chest is “upstairs” and how pleased our Father is with us.
As I mentioned before, I believe God measures things differently. He said the best in the kingdom is the least here. Since when have our strategies and plans included any activities wrapped around being the servants to all? We may talk of this, but our actions reflect we aren’t the least – we are the best!
Many (in that day) will expect a reward as they say Lord, Lord! We’ve done all these exciting works for you. And Jesus will respond, “Depart workers of iniquity. I know you not.” (Luke 13:27)
We exalt leaders for what we SEE them accomplish, but we often don’t exalt Christ to His rightful place – the thrones of our hearts. Thus enters sensationalism into the church.
One friend of mine was near heartbroken because she didn’t think she had a testimony. Everyone around her would glorify the sensational testimonies – “so-and-so was visited by an Angel” or “God instantly gave so-and-so an amazing miracle”, etc. I assured her that her quiet faith and “unsensational” experience was just as sensational as those outward signs and wonders. “Blessed are those who have not seen and believe.” (John 20:28-30)
Jesus said that we are not to rejoice in our authority over demons but rather that our name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Often times we have this reversed do we not?
People place so much emphasis on having amazing and charismatic sermons, but place so little emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit.
Many years ago there was a great preacher (who’s name escapes me) that read his pre-written sermons in a monotone voice. Boring right? Wrong! The Holy Spirit would honor this preacher’s brokenness to himself and show up in great power. Many souls were brought to a knowledge of Christ through this “boring” preacher.
Don’t misunderstand me – going to the entire world, casting out demons and speaking in tongues, preaching charismatic sermons are not bad things; they are great things in fact. But it is fruitless if these are our focus over Christ. It is fruitless if not done by the Spirit. (Zech 4:6b)
We must honor Jesus Christ by selling out to Him and ridding ourselves of our pride and arrogance. We must follow Christ and bear his fruit which include holiness, purity and the fruit of the Spirit. Love comes first and is eternal; the foundation on which all else is built.
What does this mean we should do? For many of us, perhaps our best plan of action is no action at all – at least for awhile – until we learn to be still and know once again like we used to. We should put away grand strategies and focus on the master until His strategies and plans become clear.
Learn to be quiet. Learn to listen. Learn to be led.
Out of relationship with Jesus Christ, His overflow will change the world around us and we won’t even need a written plan or label on our church philosophies. Or a denomination. We will be salt and light; an aroma of life to some and death to others. That is the strategy. Be so filled with Love from your relationship with Christ that you have His aroma. His power. His plan. The true “silver bullet” strategy is to know Jesus Christ. We must learn to walk in the Spirit like we should and teach others to do the same.
America is filled with Christians who do not know Christ or His Law of Love.
All our works and activities may earn the respect of others, but it won’t hide us from ourselves… or God. As we mask any spiritual emptiness before men with actions, our “works” produces personal distraction so we don’t have to listen to the Spirit of God calling us to repent. I believe this is evinced by all of the “secret sins” in the Church.
We export what we don’t possess. And we possess that which is contraband.
We come up with recipes which promises “success” and we call our success God’s doing. But while we were busy building OUR success, freedom exited out the back door and took liberty with her.
Looking for evidence? Look at the church herself. Many converts are busy worshiping Mammon, Molech, Baal, while sleeping with Jezebel. The church is divorcing at rates equal or greater than heathens. Our children are killing and cutting themselves. Our adults are no longer concerned about their children or themselves and have no sense of right or wrong. Our leaders announce their divorces and sexual misconducts from the pulpit with no shame, conviction or remorse.
Confusion ensues and one generation is wasted wondering what happened, while the next generation eagerly and pridefully claws over the previous with the latest recipes promising sure success… this time.
What’s interesting is that many or most of whom I write have great intentions. But as the quote says, “The pathway to hell is paved with good intentions”. This may be a little strong, but should do well to illustrate the point. I’m not saying everyone is going to hell – I’m saying that intentions don’t justify the plans of man whilst forgetting Christ.
My friends, we here in the USA are in a spiritual disaster area. Ground zero in New York shows us where are moral foundations are heading. I need not cite any evidence; just look around or spend some time with our youth. It’s not the fault of any one church, denomination, sect, belief, strategy, etc. It’s our fault. Me. You. Personal responsibility.
But I believe those of us who call ourselves leaders and teachers have a special responsibility. Being deceived we have led others astray. I wonder how many teachers have ever trembled when they read the scripture that warns that not many should desire to be a teacher… I would hope most, but evidence is to the contrary….
Jesus told the Sadducees “You are in error because you know neither the scriptures or the power of God.” (Matt 22:29). We may know the scriptures backward and front – even know the Greek and Hebrew – but do we know His power?
Let’s run back to the stumbling block Himself and throw ourselves upon Him until we know Him. Christ and Christ alone. The Word and the Power. Seek Him and Him alone. Make sure we follow His direction and not tell Him what we are going to do for Him. Let’s follow Christ and teach others to do the same.
How? I think He told us.
We must become poor in spirit. We must repent. We must loose our lives. We must pick up our cross and follow Him.
We must obey and be willing to be persecuted. We must not love the world or anything in it. We must esteem ourselves destitute and unwise. We must quit thinking that because we sound good, write well, sing smoothly, plan effectively, and preach with angelic charisma, that we must be exhibiting good fruit pleasing to God.
We must obey at all costs. We must be willing to suffer rejection even from those who call themselves “brother”. Finally we must suffer in the flesh. And if we rich Americans can’t figure out how to make our flesh suffer as Paul advocated, God will come to our rescue – just not in the way we like to imagine him coming… He will not leave us orphans, but He will come to us. Make no mistake – He has no regard for our flesh. He will come as an all-consuming fire and burn up all that we have stocked up for ourselves and many will suffer great loss. There will be those who are surprised at His rejection; and of those who are not rejected many will escape only as one escapes the lashing flames of a fire. (1 Cor 3:14-23)
Let us not forget in our haughtiness and pride that Christ told us the way was narrow and few will find it. I’m sure that those in Laodicea church surely thought the other churches were the ones missing the mark while in all of her glorious accomplishments they themselves were surely on the right path. Brothers and sisters – I have only one reply to this: God measures success differently.
He chastised Laodicea and comforted Smyrna.
The fear of God is something we gloss over by saying “It means awe of God.”
Well, that is part of it, but if you haven’t feared God from time-to-time as a child fears an angry father, or even as one who can destroy both your soul and body in hell, then we may need some more lessons from the Holy Spirit on fear. Fear is the beginning of wisdom.
Based on scriptures, the fear-less condition of our church is to be expected however.
Her naivety is buttressed by success; her faith affirmed by prosperity; her confidence unshakable on the firm footing of successful church growth strategies and disciple-making programs.
Yet the fruit betrays us.
We must follow Christ and then teach others to follow Christ. Instead as is far too often the case, we spend much of our precious time trying to convince our peers and critics that our way is the best way. We build our structures on the shoulders charismatic leaders turning them into the new Kings of Israel, and are surprised when the fail us.
We must obey what the Spirit is expressing to us and let Christ be our judge. I suggest we leave our labels to our heathen observers. Above all, We must hear and obey Christ. To him who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches…
Oswald Chambers wrote the following which sums this up pretty well. He writes:
“Acts 26:16 “I have appeared to you for this purpose…”
The vision Paul had on the road to Damascus was not a passing emotional experience, but a vision that had very clear and emphatic directions for him. And Paul stated, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19).
Our Lord said to Paul, in effect, “Your whole life is to be overpowered or subdued by Me; you are to have no end, no aim, and no purpose but Mine.” And the Lord also says to us, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go…” (John 15:16)
When we are born again, if we are spiritual at all, we have visions of what Jesus wants us to be. It is important that I learn not to be “disobedient to the heavenly vision” – not to doubt that it can be attained. It is not enough to give mental assent to the fact that God has redeemed the world, nor even to know that the Holy Spirit can make all that Jesus did a reality in my life. I must have the foundation of a personal relationship with Him.
Paul was not given a message or a doctrine to proclaim. He was brought into a vivid, personal, overpowering relationship with Jesus Christ.
Acts 26:16 is tremendously compelling “… to make you a minister and a witness…” There would be nothing there without a personal relationship. Paul was devoted to a Person, not to a cause. He was absolutely Jesus Christ’s. He saw nothing else and he lived for nothing else. “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2) “
I hope and pray that the Holy Spirit compels us all to purchase from Jesus Christ true gold in these last days.
