For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17
My husband and I made the decision to become foster parents. After a year of classes and paperwork, we were blessed with two little boys, which we were allowed to adopt four years later. To say we have been blessed by our decision is an understatement, although it has not always been easy.
When we brought these boys into our lives, we were extremely involved in church, choir, teaching, Bible study, helps and various other church activities. The boys were thrust into a culture they never knew existed. Being church “staff kids” meant they often spend 10 to 12 hours a day at the church in different aspects of school and ministry. They received a “crash course” in Christianity and were excited to share this delight with the world.
It was not uncommon for them to stop perfect strangers and ask questions or give lectures of the values of “keeping the temple clean” (no smoking, drinking or drugs) (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Being lectured by a 3-year-old or a 5-year-old on what harm certain substances can do to your body can be amusing, irritating, condemning or all three. Going to the grocery store or drug store was always an adventure. Restaurants were unpredictable – they knew they had a captive audience; the waiter or waitress.
We never knew when or what they were going to say. They held a boldness I never had when it came to their faith. The amazing thing is, that with their wide-eyed innocence, people always answered. That is what this is all about. Not about the innocent questioning, it’s about the answers.
I had read that Americans consider themselves to be Christians, simply because they are Americans! Several people responded in just that manner – “sure, I’m a Christian – I’m an American!” but, when pinned down about which church they attended – they didn’t. When they did, it was for Christmas, Easter and Weddings.
One young man said that he wasn’t a Christian, his mom was. He said he was a Christian once, but he quit going to church. He knew he needed to start going back, but he was busy. Sunday was his sleep-in day.
One young man said he wasn’t a Christian, he was a Baptist! And several LDS said they were Christians, even though they don’t believe Jesus is the son of God.
We met several people who were obviously into New Age, but believed they were Christians. We even knew of people who claimed to be “white witches” who felt they were Christians. People who attend church on Sunday and read horoscopes every day of the week. People who pray at bedtime and call psychics during the day. It’s the phenomena of the American “Christian.”
I, myself, spent several years in a denominational church and was never encouraged to read the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15), never told that horoscopes were forbidden (Isaiah 47:13-14), or that psychics were cursed (Leviticus 20:21). I didn’t know “white” witchcraft was “witchcraft” trying to make itself look “good” instead of “evil” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). I have prayed many, many hours over this phenomena. What is the answer?
The word of the Lord came to me “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38). The mission field begins in our own home. The mission field is at our front door.
Because America does not have to fight to have freedom of religion, the people don’t understand what true Christianity is. In those countries where they lay down their lives for an hour a week to gather together in prayer and Bible study – you can believe they understand. We dwell in a country where we know a little bit about everything – but very few know a lot about any one particular thing; especially, it seems, pure Christianity.
We, the Church, have allowed confusion, distraction, and laziness to enter into the message we were sent to share (Galatians 1:6-8). It crept in, ever so quietly, and took its place among the once dedicated. Now we are sent to search it out.
There in the curiosity of my two children dwelt an answer. Where I had been content for someone to verify they were a Christian, now I knew the mission was to make sure that they knew what Christianity was and how to come to the saving grace of Christ. It is each of our jobs to steer the confused from horoscopes to scriptures – from psychics to Jesus.
Jesus, let me always be mindful of the enemy we battle and the subtle ways he perverts the truth. Let me not be pacified with quick answers that may leave a soul, believing they are walking righteously, in the hands of an evil curse. Let me speak up, at my own discomfort, to bring that little lost sheep back home.
Linda J. Humes 