I recently rediscovered Jon Acuff’s blog Stuff Christians Like. I spent several minutes laughing heartily at a few of his posts. Most were skewering curious facets of American Christianity that have become entrenched in today’s churches and ministries. It seems that a lot of us do a lot of things without asking “Why?” At times, we do what we do simply because we have always done it that way. If we do claim to have a motive, it is occasionally held exempt from scrutiny. Too often, this is because it is weak or indefensible. We never established a proper foundation, so we do not want others poking around in that te
rritory.
In fact, sometimes our reasoning sounds like we developed it in the fifth grade. “Everyone else is doing it.” Has that ever really been a sufficient reason? Lately, it seems that this mindset has reached epidemic proportions among American Christianity. Churches pick up practices and traits because other groups have used them with a measure of success. Individual Christians adopt standards, habits, and even beliefs, because a celebrity speaker has espoused them or a popular book is making the rounds. Certainly, we would be wise to learn from the behavior and practices of godly people. However, there must always be a higher standard than simply what we glean from others.
After having a good chuckle at Acuff’s site, I came to a conclusion; “I like the way this guy thinks. He really pokes holes in some deserving targets.”
Then it dawned on me. Eventually, he was going to wax satirical about something that is significant or meaningful to me. (He probably already has, and I have not seen it yet.) What happens at that point? Will I be willing to step back and thoughtfully examine why I cling to certain things. Are they firmly rooted in a biblical standard or simply in the comfort zone of my preferences?
The experience was a great reminder to consistently examine the reasons behind my decisions. With similar self-inspection, the Psalmist said, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” Psalm 119:59
The next time someone scoffs at what you do or recommends you try something new, head straight for your Bible. May our conclusion be that of the prophet Jeremiah:
“Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.” Lament. 3:40