A problem that has plagued Christianity in America for more than a century is found in this: the inability to separate the Christian mission from American expectations. In some specific ways, this has been and is an increasing disaster for Christianity.
(a) Too many Christians are convinced that there is a political agenda for Christianity. In this conviction, many think Christianity can succeed only if a particular political situation exists. Therefore, the political agenda must transpire before Christian objectives can be experienced. In this concept, Christianity is dependent on a political system being in charge of a society. The truth is this: God is never dependent on a political agenda or a specific society. God will achieve His objectives regardless of human agendas.
(b) There is a coupling of American lifestyle objectives with Christian objectives. Increasingly, congregations in America are middle class (or better). Inclusion of the poor in the congregation becomes less likely. For some, including the poor in a congregation is undesirable. For many, there is a desire to believe that faith in Christ results in experiencing the good life. The good life often includes the best available in a society.
(c) The desire increases to protect those who are Christians rather than to impact society. A desire to defend is stronger than a desire to encourage. Theological solutions should be achieved by demanding that others agree with our conclusions and views. Challenging all (which includes us) to examine all of scripture diminishes.
The ancient man and prophet, Jeremiah, challenges todays people. Among his continuing challenges is this understanding: following God may not lead to or guarantee a wonderful lifestyle. Even when you are among people who claim to belong to God but do not listen to God, Gods message is more likely to produce resentment than a good lifestyle.
Physical ease is not the objective of godly existence. Yes, physical ease can promote godly values and existence if Gods people do not become selfish and self-centered (see 1 Timothy 2:1, 2). However, godliness is never dependent on a pleasant physical existence. Always remember the godly follow a crucified Savior. Remember Stephen was stoned (Acts 7:59, 60); the Jerusalem congregation suffered (Acts 8:3); James was killed by a sword (Acts 12:1, 2); and there were numerous martyrs (Revelation 6:9-11).
Christianity began in the midst of hostile forces and grew in the face of opposition.
Suffering does not produce godliness, but godliness can produce suffering. A favorable physical circumstance is not essential for a person to be devoted to God and His values.
Jeremiah did exactly as God told him to do. God protected Jeremiah as He promised. Yet, Jeremiah endured hardship and pain for doing as God directed. The fact that the people to whom Jeremiah prophesied claimed to belong to God did not lessen Jeremiahs suffering.
Jeremiahs physical situation became so severe that he wished he had never been born. Why? People laughed at him. Publicly, he was scoffed at. He said what God told him to say, and he was ridiculed for declaring Gods message.
Declaring Gods message became so unpopular and unbearable, he decided not to speak. The problem: he cared. Not speaking Gods message became like trying to control a fire in his heart. Finally, it took more effort to say nothing than to speak.
However, the results were the same physically. People whispered. They terrified him. Even his trusted friends denounced him. Everyone waited for him to mess up. They longed for him to fail. He hurt so much he actually wondered if doing as God directed was worth it. Some wanted to kill him, and some actually tried.
Because something is Gods will does not mean other people will appreciate it. Even if they claim to be Gods people, they may resent Gods will. These people can resent you because they do not like Gods message.
For Thought and Discussion
1. What problem (in todays lesson) has plagued Christianity for more than a century?
2. Too many Christians are convinced Christianity has what? Discuss that.
3. What is coupled? Discuss that.
4. What desire increases? Discuss that.
5. What is among Jeremiahs challenges?
6. What should Christians remember?
7. How did Christianity begin? How did Christianity first grow?
8. What did doing as God told him (Jeremiah) result in?
9. Discuss the severity of Jeremiahs situation as Gods spokesman.
10. When he tried not to speak Gods message, what happened? Why?
11. When Jeremiah resumed as Gods spokesman, what happened?
12. Because something is Gods will does not mean what?
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 6