Are Christians Expected To Do or Just To Be?

Apr 26
15:50

2024

Bruce McLaughlin

Bruce McLaughlin

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Exploring the dual expectations of Christians: embodying holiness and engaging in active ministry. This article delves into whether Christians are merely called to live a life of ritual purity or if they are also expected to actively participate in fulfilling the Great Commission and demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit.

Understanding Holiness in Christian Life

Holiness,Are Christians Expected To Do or Just To Be? Articles in the Christian context, is not only about personal purity but also involves active engagement in the world through acts of love and service. Christians are called to mirror God's holiness, as stated in Leviticus 11:44, "Be holy because I am holy." This directive underscores a dual expectation: to maintain personal purity and to engage in actions that reflect God’s love and grace to others.

The Dual Aspects of Holiness:

  • Personal Purity: Involves maintaining integrity in thought, word, and deed.
  • Active Service: Includes acts of kindness, charity, and evangelism, often referred to as the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22).

The Great Commission vs. Ritual Faithfulness

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) calls Christians to go forth and make disciples of all nations, which implies an active role in ministry and outreach. This is in contrast to a purely ritualistic faith practice that focuses on personal and communal worship without external engagement.

Scriptural Mandates for Active Faith:

  • Love and Service: Romans 13:8-10 and Galatians 5:14 emphasize loving others as a fulfillment of the law.
  • Evangelism and Discipleship: Ephesians 4:11-12 discusses the roles within the church for building up the body of Christ, which includes reaching out and teaching.

Real-Life Implications of Faith

The narrative of Mr. Christian and Mr. Non-Christian illustrates the transformative power of active faith versus a life devoid of spiritual engagement. While both men face personal challenges, Mr. Christian's faith provides a framework for resilience and recovery, highlighting the practical implications of a lived faith that extends beyond personal piety.

Comparative Analysis:

  • Mr. Christian: Finds strength and purpose in his faith, which guides him through personal trials and motivates him to engage in community and evangelism.
  • Mr. Non-Christian: Despite external success, faces personal turmoil without a spiritual foundation, illustrating the potential emptiness of a life without faith.

The Role of Every Christian

Francis Schaeffer's insights remind us that every Christian, regardless of their societal status or role, is called to be an active participant in God’s work. The concept that there are "no little people and no little places" in God's plan emphasizes that all believers have a role to play in the divine narrative, regardless of how insignificant it may seem.

Key Points from Schaeffer:

  • Consecration: The importance of dedicating one's life to God's purposes.
  • Service in Any Capacity: Encouragement that every role filled by a Christian is vital to God's plan.

Conclusion

Christians are indeed called to both "be" and "do." Holiness encompasses personal purity and active engagement in the world through service, ministry, and evangelism. The teachings of the Bible, supported by theological insights from respected Christian thinkers, affirm that faith must be lived out loud through actions that demonstrate God's love to the world.

In essence, the life of a Christian is marked not only by a state of being that reflects God's purity but also by a commitment to actions that spread God's grace and truth. This dual call ensures that faith remains a dynamic and transformative force in both the life of the individual believer and the world at large.