Christianity’s Challenge in the West

Christianity's Challenge in the West
by
September 19, 2024

Teacher, writer, and pastor John Mark Comer recently published a fascinating book titled Practicing the Way. His basic claim is that many people in our culture are Christians, but a much lower percentage of those Christians are actually serious about being disciples, or apprentices, of Jesus. He says, “Apprenticeship to Jesus – following Jesus – is a whole life process of being with Jesus for the purpose of becoming like him and carrying on his work in the world. It’s a lifelong journey in which we gradually learn to say and do the kinds of things Jesus said and did as we apprentice under him in every facet of our lives.” Comer is identifying the greatest challenge for Christians in the Western world. Simply professing belief in Christ is not enough if it doesn’t lead to significant life change.

Making this transition from simply being a Christian to becoming a serious disciple is not easy. Many view their faith as something that is important to have. Perhaps they believe in God, go to church, appreciate Jesus, and try to treat other people well with hopes to go to heaven one day when they die. What Comer is proposing is a transformational way of living that dives deep into the teachings of Jesus and asks, “What does he require of me? What do I need to change? What might I have to give up?” According to Comer, “The problem is, in the West, we have created a cultural milieu where you can be a Christian but not an apprentice of Jesus. Much preaching of the gospel today does not call people to a life of discipleship. Following Jesus is seen as optional – a post-conversion “second track” for those who want to go further.” Many will convert, perhaps get baptized, and then think they have checked the box.

Make no mistake, Jesus’ teachings are anything but easy. Love God and love your neighbor as yourself, yes. But love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you, turn the other cheek, forgive seventy times seven, reach out to the marginalized. These teachings up the game and many honestly wonder if it is possible. Does it occur to many of today’s Christians that they could or should go deeper? That they could be more committed and transformed but that will require serious time and commitment. Faith formation and spiritual growth are not easy or automatic. Life throws too many obstacles our way on a regular basis. But to experience the “fullness of life” that Jesus talked about, we have to be willing to do the work. This involves prayer, worship, reflecting on scripture, serving others, community building, peace making, and ongoing self-denial. It is a far cry from the consumer mindset that many Christians often have. It is a completely new way of living and being.

Comer argues that we are underestimating what Jesus means by salvation. In his words:

• Salvation is less about getting you into heaven and more about getting heaven into you.
• It’s not just about Jesus becoming like us but us becoming like him.
• It’s less of a transaction and more of a transformation.
• It’s not just about what he has done for us but also about what he has done in us if we apprentice under him.
• It is about being a person who not only is loved by God but also is pervaded by the love of God.
• It’s not just accepting the merit of his death but also receiving the power of his resurrection.
• It’s not just about you and me as individuals but also about the formation of a whole new humanity and the healing of the cosmos itself.

Are Western Christians up for this bold challenge? Only time will tell.

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