What Makes It Christian?
Christian music, Christian art, Christian
businesses, Christian cruises. You name it; there is a “Christian”
alternative to everything. As Christians we have created a subculture
that, in most cases, says its Christian if you call it Christian, put a
cross on it or put verses everywhere. But what makes something
Christian? Is it the crosses, verses or something else? I believe it is
something else.
When I was in college, I had an art professor who would cringe every time a new student would start creating something with a cross in it. The student’s intention was to put a cross in the piece of art and call it Christian. Each time this would happen, he would sit us down and talk to us about this very subject. I have not forgotten it. The Professor would say, “Before you call it ‘Christian’ make it great.” He was saying it would give more glory to God by being great than it will by sticking a cross in it. His intention was to teach us that God is glorified and people are drawn to something when it is done with excellence for God. An awe-inspiring piece of art, done for God’s glory, is more Christian than a half-hearted piece of art with a cross in it.
How does this apply to us? How many teachers, bosses, business owners, artists or, whatever you do, make a point to let everyone know they are Christians by wearing Christianity on their sleeve? What if you made a point to be the very best at what you do for God’s glory? The Bible says,
In other words, before you call it Christian, make it great.
Check out this "Christian" Coffee House inWashington DC. Ebenezers Coffee House was just voted Washington's Best Coffee House. These guys understand what I am talking about.
My prayer today: Father, you deserve my best. Give me the passion, energy and perseverance to give you my best in everything I do.
Thanks for the great feed back over the past couple of days. I really do serve with the most incredible people in the world.
Pastor Randall
When I was in college, I had an art professor who would cringe every time a new student would start creating something with a cross in it. The student’s intention was to put a cross in the piece of art and call it Christian. Each time this would happen, he would sit us down and talk to us about this very subject. I have not forgotten it. The Professor would say, “Before you call it ‘Christian’ make it great.” He was saying it would give more glory to God by being great than it will by sticking a cross in it. His intention was to teach us that God is glorified and people are drawn to something when it is done with excellence for God. An awe-inspiring piece of art, done for God’s glory, is more Christian than a half-hearted piece of art with a cross in it.
How does this apply to us? How many teachers, bosses, business owners, artists or, whatever you do, make a point to let everyone know they are Christians by wearing Christianity on their sleeve? What if you made a point to be the very best at what you do for God’s glory? The Bible says,
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” Col 3:23
In other words, before you call it Christian, make it great.
Check out this "Christian" Coffee House inWashington DC. Ebenezers Coffee House was just voted Washington's Best Coffee House. These guys understand what I am talking about.
My prayer today: Father, you deserve my best. Give me the passion, energy and perseverance to give you my best in everything I do.
Thanks for the great feed back over the past couple of days. I really do serve with the most incredible people in the world.
Pastor Randall
Pastor Randall, Thanks for reminding me that everything I do needs to be GREAT, because I only want God to be glorified through my works. You're an awesome pastor and I am learning daily from your blog. Please keep us HIS good works.
Reply to this
Let us thank God all the time, not just when we are wearing a cross or singing a Christian Praise song. Let us thank and glorify Him in ALL our works. DEAR GOD:
I want to thank You for what You have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking You right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking You right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking You right now. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking You right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank You right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank You right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank You right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking You right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now. I am thanking You because I am alive. I am thanking You because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking You because I have walked around the obstacles..
I am thanking You because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more
and do better.
I'm thanking You because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me
Reply to this
good words randypoo.
Reply to this
Randall,
Your honesty is refreshing. Keep up the good work.
Reply to this
Great blog--This is prevalent in society where style over substance and perception over reality reigns. I can't imagine seeing Jesus on the Dawsonville Hwy corridor(in His environmentally conscious Hybrid Auto)donning a fish symbol or bumper sticker claiming who His co-pilot is. We know Him for His perfect love, not his symbols.
Blog on, Pastor Randall
Reply to this