Christians: We Have Culturephobia

            I walked into a Tattered Cover book store today and found the 3’ x 6’ section dedicated to Christian children’s stories.  I figured these little books would shed a child-like light on a few of the biggest events seen within the pages of scripture.  As I flipped through the pages with my little girl, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of disappointment rush over my body.

            I’d rather not quote the book directly so, instead, I’ll give you the general idea.  One of the pages says that once we become closer to God, all of our problems will go away.  

        This one statement exemplifies the problem within the Christian church.  How many times have we heard the speaker say, “I became a Christian and my addiction to alcohol just disappeared.  I became a Christian and I received a random check for $4,000 right before the bank was about to repossess my house.  I became a Christian and my cancer just left my body.”  

            Don’t get me wrong.  I believe that God can heal and do anything.  There is no question in my mind.  And I do not reject the stories that I hear.  I take issue with the sales pitch used to catapult the non-believer into belief under the pretense that something miraculous will happen the moment a relationship with Christ is procured.

         So in the case of this children’s book, it feels as though I am setting my girl up for disappointment once she starts to engage culture outside of our little protective bubble here at home.  Essentially, I am telling her that everything is going to be fine and she will never feel pain in her life if she is a Christian.

         Really?  What about the bullies? What about the physical ailments?  What about the boys that will reject her?  What about failed relationships or lost jobs?  What about divorce or a still-born child?  What about sin? 

         I’m not necessarily upset solely at the book and I will continue to read it to her.  I am concerned because it serves as a reminder that we continue to paint the Christian life as some magical balloon that floats high above society out of harms way.

         Newsflash:  When you become a Christian your problems will not disappear.  God probably isn’t going to send you a check and He’s probably not going to hook you up with that Twilight vampire actor?  What’s his name?  Dave, right?  Your problems will continue and you will go through some rough times.  

            There is no question, however, that your life will change.  Your relationship will begin to drop anchor on His words and some of your prayers will be answered, while many will also go unanswered.  You’ll discover that a relationship with Christ becomes less about what you receive during your time here, and more about where you will go once you have breathed your last.  Our time here is merely preparatory.  So how are you preparing and who are you inviting to come along for the ride?

         Our goal is to reach people the way Christ would have reached people if He was here right now.  I think He’d tell it like it is, no punches pulled.  I think that He’d tell a beautiful, relevant story.