In spite of the rapid growth we see in many churches in this nation, I fear that it is due to the new attractive slick presentations, and not because people are being conformed to the image of Christ. Revelation 3:17 says, "Because you say 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." Harsh words that we likely won't accept (but indeed, the above verse says we do not know). So I will illustrate. Let's imagine what would happen if an American Christian was transported into real Bible situations. Had Moses been an American faced with the opposition of Pharoah, he would have said, "Well it looks like the Lord isn't opening a door for me here- I'll move on."
Had Daniel been an american, he would have backed down from regular prayer. How do I know? Because it isn't a high priority in our lives now, and the church didn't make a peep when our government removed prayer from schools.
American Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego would have bowed down, not wanting to make waves, and talked themselves into thinking God understands because of the difficult situation they were in.
Would an American have been true to the annointing of King David, knowing that the most powerful man in the nation had his army intent on killing you? Surely that couldn't be God's will for you to be in fear.
And what about Jesus? Sadly, had he been American, upon discovering Judas was going to betray him, I think he would have called this whole thing off.
Peter is probably the closest thing to an American "disciple". So eager to say "I'll do anything for you, Lord. I'll forgive people 7 times if they treat me bad, and well, I'm even ready to die for you". And shortly afterwards he's not just physically retalliating, he's using weapons, and then fleeing when that didn't work, and then denying with curses that he even knows Jesus.
I think these examples paint an accurate picture of how far we are from God's way. I invite you to place an American Christian in the character of the next Bible story you read and play out the outcome. I believe a godly fear will come upon you if you take it seriously. The one that scares me the most is that the rich young ruler would be accepted as a top member in every church in America. But he walked away from Jesus! And Jesus did not run after him or temper his words to win him back! Will you too be comfortable going to church, spending your life on pursuits kidding yourself into thinking God is with you? Will you leave it all to follow the Master? Will you meet the rich young ruler on the other side of eternity?
