Homogenization is the process of mixing up milk until it has a uniform consistency- until it is “fully blended.”
There is an old song we used to sing at school; it has been in my mind lately. “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” If someone were to step back and look at my life, would they be able to see the love that defines Christ without even hearing me proclaim that I am Christian? Would I look any different than someone who is not Christian? Would my actions be any different?
Unfortunately, we live in a world that seeks to homogenize us, and often, our lives appear no different to someone on the outside looking in. However, I think we use “the world” excuse to place the blame off of ourselves and continue basking in our sinfulness. We love to accuse “the world”- that large vicious entity that is always waiting to attack us. We find ourselves pandering to the culture around us in hopes of getting attention. The music we listen to; the things we watch; the language we use – we are no different and refuse to change. Not only do we refuse to change, we make excuses. We live a gospel that is very different from the one we preach, justifying this inconsistency by arguing that it is the only way we can reach non-believers.
There is no need to compromise to make Christianity seem more reasonable.
Remember Evan Almighty, the film that was released as an updated story of Noah in the Bible? Morgan Freeman, as God, commands Evan to build an ark, and amusement ensues. I tremble to think that God’s wrath has been reduced to hilarity and indulged in by both non-Christians and Christians alike. Is this how we choose to portray God’s wrath and communicate Noah’s faith? There is absolutely no room for giggles in the midst of God’s terrifying wrath, and movies like this certainly make light of our faith. Amidst all of the laughs and vulgarity, people cannot understand God better. As a matter of fact, they will probably see the biblical story of the flood as being as unrealistic and implausible as the movie.
Our job is not to make Christianity seem more appealing by compromising biblical truths. I am very confident that God speaks more clearly through His truth than through our foolish renditions of it.
The Bible makes very clear what God expects of us. God’s commitments to us are written in His promises to us and are manifested in His love. And while we expect Him to uphold His promises, we are often less than willing to follow suit. We like to feel “chosen” and “special” when it is convenient- when we need a job, a raise, healing. But what about when it sets us apart, leaving us as the outcast? We are called to be different. God is looking for commitment, not compromise. God accepts us even though we sin, but He does not accept our sins. God accepts all who come to the table, but He by no means permits all we bring to the table.
We project a false image of God, and a false understanding of Him. We often justify it, saying, “God knows my heart.” But I think the real question we should be asking is, “Do we know His?”
The world is not going to change- so you must.
You can always recognize non-homogenized milk because the cream separates and sits at the top.