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Converting from Christianity to Christ

When I was young, I decided to convert from my self-centered life to the religious life. Since then, I have been converting from the religious life to Christ’s way of life.

There is a difference. A huge one.

As I study the teachings of Jesus, for the life of me I can not find where he commands, recommends, or even suggests any religious ritual as the point of what he offers. Instead, he seems to go straight for the heart.

He offers a way of life.

He offers a character.

He offers a set of priorities.

He offers a mission.

And the common denominator between everything he offers is not “religious practices done a certain way” – but LOVE.

Last week, I took another look at his teachings in his famous “Sermon of the Mount” (found in Matthew 5-7) and asked God to summarize them as simply and concisely as possible through me. Here is what came.

Be humble. – Mt 5:3

Be compassionate. – Mt 5:4

Be self-controlled. – Mt 5:5

Desire rightness with God above all else. – Mt 5:6

Show mercy. – Mt 5:7

Exhibit purity. – Mt 5:8

Make peace. – Mt 5:9

Willingly suffer for the good and true. – Mt 5:10

Find the blessing in every circumstance. – Mt 5:11-12

Influence the world appropriately by being the right kind of person. – Mt 5:13-16

Use external religion and rules as aids in creating a life with God. – Mt 5:17-19

Do not let external religion and rules replace your life with God. – Mt 5:20

Be rid of any anger you carry. – Mt 5:21-22

Be as responsible as you can for any anger carried against you. – Mt 5:23-24

Handle difficulties with others relationally, not institutionally. – Mt 5:25-26

Do not indulge sex as recreation. – Mt 5:27-30

Do the work necessary to stay married. – Mt 5:31-32

Have composure enough to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’, and character enough to stick by it. – Mt 5:33-37

Exert your right to lay down your rights. – Mt 5:38-42

Forgive and love everyone your enemy, like God does His. – Mt 5:43-48

Rebel against being seen as noteworthy by people. – Mt 6:1

Be indifferent about who knows that you give to the needy. – Mt 6:2-4

Pray inwardly always, and let any outward words flow from there. – Mt 6:5-13

Show your favored position in God’s eyes by giving all others favored position in yours. – Mt 6:14-15

Get what your heart needs by valuing God’s view of you only. – Mt 6:16-18

Your felt need for the world’s treasure will steal your possession of the real treasure. – Mt 6:19-24

Be rid of any worry you carry. – Mt 6:25-34

Don’t judge. It destroys your life more than the object of your judgment. – Mt 7:1-5

Do not offer your wisdom to anyone who has not asked for it. – Mt 7:6

Take the posture of seeker and learner to be among the few who find God and God’s way. – Mt 7:7-14

Who you really are shows in the actions you perform, especially when no one but God sees you. – Mt 7:15-23

And then, he finishes with a pretty astounding promise – one that I’m using my life and energy to test.

Live life this way and you will be invulnerable to the troubles of life in every way that matters. – Mt 7:24-27

While all of “God’s people” before (the Jews) and after (the church) him try to contain the Jesus way of life in a certain set of outward worship practices, sometimes self-righteously arguing, dividing, and even warring about them, Jesus goes underneath all of that to the point of it all.

How about this: as Christians, let’s all master the above way of life, which comes straight from the mouth of Jesus, and once that is done, THEN we can discuss what we think about the less important worship practices that would best help folks create, sustain, and share this life found in Christ.

Whattyathink?

Christ vs. Church, Discipleship, The Best Life

12 Comments to “Converting from Christianity to Christ”

  1. I have these on my wall at work. God is convincing me this is the way to go and that going all in is the only option. He is also making it evident that living with “Crazy Love” is the only way to find the joy of this life.

  2. I’m thinking this is a brilliant summary.

  3. AMEN!!!! leaving the religiousness of our past and looking to this beautiful Christ centered future is difficult but it is an adventure that I am learning to enjoy and hunger for. When we focus on Christ and not the “how too’s” the yoak does become easy…..seemingly too easy. After being under a heavy load for so long getting used to an easy load is difficult because the heavy one seems right…..what a deal!
    PRAISE GOD ! Christ took the heavy loan and our load is light!!!

  4. Brian, I would really like to republish this in the January edition of New Wineskins, with your permission. If your answer is yes, could you send me a short bio and photo of yourself? webservant@wineskins.org

  5. Awesome! I think you nailed it now we all need to live it.

  6. I love this. Religion has done damage to my love for Jesus. This brings me hope.

  7. […] Life in Christ: Converting from Christianity to Christ […]

  8. This is an amazing journey! I am rejoicing that the Holy Spirit is advancing the Kingom mightily and taking back what is rightfully God’s. Thank you, Brian, for being a willing and teachable servant.

  9. Thanks for expressing in a beautiful way the things many of feel but can’t seem to find a place in “church” to say it ourselves. I am stone cold fed up with “churchianity” and only want a life immersed in the Spirit of Christ.

  10. I think you are working out your salvation. Church does not save us, I don’t care what the name. I was raised Church of Christ and I have strugled with the rules and attitude for several years. We have left the love out and the following of Jesus Christ teachings. We have made it a negative worship experience.

    I would like to use your comments in our men’s class, if you approve. I will certainly see that you get the credit for your thoughts and work.

  11. Everything we need…in a pearl. Thanks!

  12. Brian,

    You know very well that I struggled with religion vs. Christ a lot when I was younger. This post completely sums up how I feel about it as an adult! It took a long time to realize that the only person holding myself back from living a life full of love and being a better person was me – being angry all the time didn’t help a thing. Thanks for this!

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