HOLLYWOOD CHRISTIANITY

     "I don't care if you really pay attention, as long as you act like it."

     I heard these words as I was helping in a 4th - 6th grade children's church from the preacher. I understand his point was for these children to not distract others, and I would be the first to admit that we would have been doing good to get some of these children to just sit still, but there is an underlying danger in this statement. Many times in dealing with Christians we have the attitude that they need to just start acting like Christians. Or we make comments such as, "You have been saved, now why don't you start acting like it!" I believe there is a serious danger in an attitude like this. We motivate and encourage an outward form of Christianity that denies the power of Christ. We produce what I call Hollywood Christians. 

     Along with this attitude, we are content with Christians as long as they look and sound like what we think a Christian should. We do this for various reasons:
     1. This is much easier than dealing with the inward heart of man.
     2. It allows ourselves to keep up a good appearance.
     3. We do not have to be transparent and honest about our inward man.

     There are a few problems with this attitude:
     1. Anyone can have an outward form of godliness without possessing true Spirit-filling.
     2. Our idea of what Christianity should look like for someone else is most likely tainted by our background or traditions.
     3. Without Christ as the power behind anything we do, it is in vain and not pleasing to God in any form or fashion.

     When we focus on outward conformity instead of inward transformation, this will always produce either pride or despair, instead of humility and Christ-dependence for daily living. If we begin to preach "Christ in you" instead of "Act like Christians", real and genuine Christianity can be produced. I believe this is one of the reasons why many young people get sick of church and the people that make up church. They learn that all that matters is the outward look and desire someone to reach to their inward man. People do not need perfection from Christians, they need honesty. Just preach Christ and His gospel and you cannot go wrong!!!


Written by:
Joel McCarty
Teacher and Staff at Madison Baptist Church
@mccartyjoel on Twitter
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