The Changing Face of Christianity

Scripture: So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:6-8)

So how did we lose "Christmas" and allow it to be turned into the generic word, "holiday"? How did the rainbow end up being the symbol for gay pride instead of a symbol of the promise that God would never destroy the earth by flood again?

We've been hijacked!! Christians are losing the symbols of our faith. Not that symbols are the central focus of our faith, but it's disturbing to see our Christian symbols disappear.

When my roommate excitedly told me how she was going to decorate for Christmas, I admit, I curled my nose at the idea. I'm not much for decorating. There's people who are creative with home projects and there are people that just simply aren't. If it wasn't for my friends, I would still be decorating any given room using cardboard boxes and milk crates as chairs and tables. My idea of "decorating" would probably still be the use of posters of rock bands on the walls. (Can girls have "Peter Pan" syndrome?)

I gave her a suggestion that she refused to consider. I told her we should test the "Big Bang Theory". You know how scientists believe that the earth, human-kind and the universe all happened to fall into place perfectly when, during some astronomical explosion a gazillion years ago, everything suddenly and spontaneously came into being? I told her to blow up the box that contained the Christmas decorations in the middle of the room to see if the cheery "shrapnel" would hang itself perfectly on the walls, the tree, and to see if the stockings would line up nicely ....

My roommate, you'll be happy to know, is the more sensible of the two of us. :)

It's tough to be Christian in the world, and much tougher during our holidays, when believers are being told their symbols are "offensive" to others, and yet, we are to be tolerant of everyone else's window displays, billboards, magazine covers and commercials and not to be so "uptight".

I believe times are changing, and it's time to change the way we spread the Word. The Gospel never changes, but the way the Word travels has evolved over time much the way the Bible is copied over and over again has changed - compared to the scribes of ancient times. It's time to "think outside the box" in order to reach the youth of today. There are so many ways I know we can use Myspace, Facebook, emails, texts and other forms of electronic data to our advantage. I have a friend who is ingeniously using Facebook to reach others and spread the gospel.

I think a sect of Christians should go "underground" like they do in other countries where it is illegal to BE a Christian, and have secret Bible studies. Kids love covert activities. Especially if they sound taboo.

Christians need to band together tighter than ever before and start brainstorming on how to reach Americans who's hearts are wounded, scarred and hardening towards all that is good. As darkness threatens to snuff out the light of the believers, our light needs to start shining brighter!

Prayer Request: Pray for the youth in America. Pray that God can heal them of the many emotional wounds we can't even begin to understand. Pray that the Lord can help us find ways to reach them.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes it feels like we, Your children, are as small as David, standing against Goliath, as we navigate through a world that is turning against You. Help us to be effective as we reach the youth and Americans in general, for Your kingdom.