Relevant Christianity

One of the most often debated issues of Christianity is its relevance.  Does it fit in today’s society?  I have to admit that this is question that bothers me because I think that it often clothes other issues such as style, preference and tradition.  Yet, for the purposes of a discussion, let’s ask the question, “Is godliness (and Christian living) relevant today?”  To address the question, we need to define relevance.  Using a modern online dictionary, relevance can be described as “appropriate to the current time, period, or circumstances; of contemporary interest”.  In essence – is it accurate, is it timely and does it fill a need?   With these criteria in mind, I believe that God’s religion is relevant today because:

Godliness is trustworthy.  I am afraid that, sometimes, when we attack something’s relevance we are basically saying that it just isn’t cool any more.  Yet, relevance isn’t about being chic, it is about being reliable.  Christianity is tried and true in this life and the life beyond!  God’s ways may not be the latest fad; but, they are the time-tested truth.  His message has withstood the challenges of academics and the travails of the common man.  God’s religion is relevant because it is true!

Godliness lasts.  Those of us who grew up with Qiana shirts, bell-bottom pants and K. C. and the Sunshine Band are well aware of the impact of momentary fads.  For a few years, these things ruled our lives; but, they died a quick death.  (When was the last time you saw someone wearing a polyester leisure suit?)  Some things define today; but, fade when viewed within the context of the big picture.  Living life the way God demands is relevant no matter what society says.  The Inspired Word of God sets the foundation for its longevity by stating, “That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done.  So there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) and “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8).

Godliness solves problems.    Establishing something’s relevance begins with its value.  There are a lot of things that are trendy; but, aren’t relevant. Television shows, personalities, movies and other trivial pursuits may be the latest fads or even newsworthy; but, do they really make a significant difference?  The core message of Christianity is that each and every one of us is lost without the saving grace of God; but there is hope!  True religion is relevant because it defines the issue and also provides access to the answer to the dilemma. 


Today’s society is not the first (and won’t be the last) to question relevance.  Each generation has demanded that God prove Himself to them and each century puts God to the test.  The great thing about the true religion of God is that it always proves itself appropriate and timely – in other words, it is the relevant thing in the world.

Popular posts from this blog

Mother's Day - 2018

When Paul wrote to encourage his protégé, Timothy, he reminded him, “ For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother  Lois  and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that  it is  in you as well.” (II Timothy 1:5) .   I don’t find it odd that these two women influenced Timothy’s ministry because I have experienced it as well.    I have been surrounded by women who have shaped my perspective on life.   As we honor Mother’s Day I would like to thank a few “Moms” who have influenced me.   Elaine Wharton – The thing I appreciate most about my mother is the spirituality that she and my father infused into our family, but there is something else that stands out.   My mom taught me that I am a valuable person.   We all have critics trying to shape our lives – sometimes what we need is a biased cheerleader.   As a child and as an adult she was my cheerleader. Grace Perryman – My mother-in-law...
Read more

Important Issues

How important are issues in the church?  Throughout our religious history certain teachings have tended to define and have developed into central themes of our faith.  So, here is the question for the day:  “How important are the issues that seem to be important to us?”.  Before we go any further, I would like to offer the following disclaimer – I do not have an agenda, nor am I on a mission to joust at any windmill.  I present this discussion to help us focus on what we have allowed to define us.  I am comfortable with our fellowship, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t step back and take a look at what we believe and why we believe it.  As I thought about our beliefs I got to wondering how we got to where we are and if all points are equal – not to us, but to God.   We have developed a comfortable formula for determining our worship and defining spirituality, but is He as comfortable with it as are we?   When we assess what we do, h...
Read more

The Gospel Truth

During a recent Communion Service Scripture reading I was struck by a portion of John 19.  I am sure that I have read it scores of times, but this time it really got me to thinking.  When John recorded the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion he wrote, “ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.” (John 19:35).   In the midst of making some incredible claims about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus John pauses to say, “believe me”!   As I got to thinking about the importance of this statement it reminded me that we all have to be honest with the gospel – not just John (whose words would transcend time) – but every one of us.   Even though we have the written Word available to us today, we must treat it with honesty and we must be transparently truthful when discussing it.   So, how do we make this happen? 1.   We must know what the Bible say...
Read more