MR. FACING-BOTH-WAYS

Howdy Folks,

In his famous Christian allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan provides a riveting account of Christian’s pilgrimage from earth to heaven. Now, if you’ve ever read The Pilgrim’s Progress, you may remember being introduced to Mr. Facing-Both-Ways who attempts the difficult task of facing in both directions at the same time. Many Christians, like Mr. Facing-Both-Ways, have set themselves an impossible task. They want some of Christ and some of the world. They are trying to face both ways.

Let me elaborate further. George Barna, a Christian researcher in the U.S., has identified a significant group of individuals in Evangelical churches today that he labeled “notional Christians.” According to Barna, at least 39% of the church population may fall into this category. While these individuals may in fact be saved, their own ideas and opinions and not the Word of God shape their Christian experience. They want Christ in their life but are not willing to live in obedience to Him. They want to face both ways.

Folks, I believe Jesus admonished believers against this destructive behavior. In Luke 6:46 He says, “But why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say?” It raises the question: “Can you follow Him and not do the things He says?” The question is equivalent to a positive declaration In other words; you cannot call me Lord if you do not do the things I say. Such words as these make it very clear that Jesus intended to be taken seriously. His words continue to echo through the ages to all those who claim to be His true followers. There is going to be a sad day of disillusionment for those Christians who make a glib profession of His Name. Profession of faith is one thing but what identifies a true follower of Jesus is really doing the will of God. As James cautions believers, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving yourself (James 1:22).” We need to continue doing what Jesus says over and over again, until it becomes our everyday practice. This is the only way we will become more consistent, confident, and competent as a Christian.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised to all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in glory, there shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow, my Master and my Friend. ---Bode

On the trail for Him,
Mike and Suzann