Christianity was supposed to be about becoming like Jesus. We went in the wrong direction.
Blog Archive   Home
Christian Pioneer Blog 

email

 

 

A Different Kind of Christianity

 

Most people think about Christianity in terms of its different denominations. Some think about differences in terms of modern or traditional. However, there is another way to consider a division of Christianity, that of static or dynamic. Some might consider modern Christianity as dynamic because there can be an active participation in a worship service. Others might consider Charismatic Christianity as dynamic for similar reasons. However, dynamism may have less to do with physical motion or even emotional experience.

Dynamic Christianity might be considered as that practice of Christianity where each Christian is growing in wisdom and truth such that each day they are becoming more like Christ. By this standard few that claim Christ could be called “dynamic”. In contrast, many who claim Christ practice what might be called static Christianity. This is marked by little or no growth and often conflict with other Christians. This is often because Christians see their faith as something completed often by having met some criteria, accomplished some action, or made a declaration. This sense of completion can feed pride and contribute to contention with others.

If one finds static Christianity unsatisfying, it is often because the promises of Christianity seem elusive or not to be realized until heaven. Often the only satisfaction derived from static Christianity is the feeling of being :right”. In contrast, dynamic Christianity might be called :learning Christianity in that one is expected to get things wrong, make mistakes, and flounder a bit. This is to be expected as one learns and grows in faith. Just as a child does not come to maturity in one step, we shouldn’t expect a believer to come to completion in one step either.

Static Christianity can seem easy in that demands for money and time can be manageable and not too much interference with normal life is made. A dynamic faith can be difficult to even measure. In essence the dynamic Christian life is a process of transitioning from a worldly selfish  life (called the “flesh” to one where the selflessness of love (Christ-likeness) is achieved. This progresses to the degree we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. This can sound impractical, fanciful, and even strange to the static Christian.

A static Christian might see someone seeking a deeper faith as someone who should go to seminary. While well intentioned, many Christians over the centuries have become entangled in doctrinal minutia such that the primary objective of Christ-likeness often fades into obscurity. Others may suggest “Christian” activities to accomplish good works. Also well intentioned, our Christian maturity is not a result of what we accomplish. In fact, accomplishments can hinder maturity when the focus remains on self.

The dynamic (learning) Christian does not have to be clever to master arcane intricacies of doctrine. He does not have to put forth Herculean effort. Seeking humility and truth and setting aside selfishness he allows God to work in him;

Php 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Rom 14:5  One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

1Co 16:14  Let all your things be done with charity.

Gal 5:25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Eph 4:31  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Eph 5:6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Col 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

The word “let” is used frequently and represents more of an allowance or choice than a task to accomplish. Our choices usually reflect an internal configuration. The Dynamic Christian is in a process of changing his internal configuration to become more like Christ. As this progresses those internal structures that respond to selfish desires diminish and are replaced with structures that seek the good of others.

By the power of God dynamic Christians can be transformed into better people. One might think this assertion to be false because it is so seldom seen in practice. This is because most Christians do not want to be better people. Consider the alcoholic who can experience the loss of friends and family and the loss of employment coming to a state of homelessness and still has not found the motivation to be a better person. There is that in us that wants to hold on to the flesh. It can feel good in the short term even if it is harming us in the long run.

Dynamic Christianity is growing in truth, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Through prayer, bible reading and study, as well as finding an older wiser Christian who can teach us, we can learn what is possible and come to the richer, fuller, and deeper Christian life. As we grow in truth, we are able to see the world and the flesh as tawdry and sad. Our connection to them diminishes as we see truth more clearly. In contrast, what is good and commendable comes more clearly into focus.




  


Information about Christianity and the Christian life.

 Pictures and views of our farm Some of our animals See some of the old-fashioned crafts we are trying to relearn