Articles - Bulletin
Compartmentalizing Christianity
One of the biggest challenges that Jesus faced with the Pharisees and the Jews alike was that of properly understanding and applying God’s law. The Pharisees and many of the Jews had created a fine system in which they kept the law very strictly in many areas but depending upon the situation followed their desire and their will.
They had, in one sense, compartmentalized Godly living in that when they were certain places, in the presence of certain people, or doing certain things they were strict keepers of God’s law. When they were at other places, with different people, doing different things they were at liberty to do what they wished.
Jesus pointed this hypocrisy out many times. One example is could be found in Mark 7:1-13 when Jesus points out how they made void the word of God for the sake of their traditions. Other examples are in Matthew 23 or in Matthew 5 when Jesus numerous times points out “you have heard that it was said…But I say to you…” pointing out that they had twisted God’s law to suit their lives and desires.
There is still a great danger for us today to find ourselves doing the same things. With our modern technology and constant access to the internet and social media many people have often said it’s like having two lives. There are our real lives and also our social or online lives.
There are many ways in which we, much like the Pharisees, portray double standards. Paul told Timothy that women (it applies to us as men as well) should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control that professes godliness. How you and I dress says something about who we are, that’s why they call it a fashion statement.
Paul told Titus in chapter 2:11-14 that as children of God we are to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 1:13-16 that we are not to conformed to the passions of our former ignorance but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.
All those verses, and many more, teach us that Christian living involves and impacts deeply every single aspect of our lives. There is no part of my life that is hidden from God’s will and my service to him.
So…when we’re not at our collective worship together what are we professing? What does our Facebook page reveal about our hearts and desires? What does our dress reveal about whom we serve? What does our speech tells others about our commitment to our Lord?
Let’s not fall into the same trap of compartmentalizing our spiritual lives in that who we’re with or where we’re at dictates our behavior. In every aspect of our lives we are to be holy as He is holy.
--E
