How narrow is narrow?

The past few days I had the pleasure of hanging with some Christian friends. Some friends from Paris, some from my old church, and some from a conference I went to a long time ago. One of them was a woman pastor. Earlier this month, I finished my Hebrew courses at Tyndale. I am very relieved that the course is over. I think I was getting to the point where I would have argue with many of the students there. I found their lack of Scriptural understanding appalling. No, being a youth pastor does not excuse you from knowing the Word. And finally, I had the opportunity to evangelize to some University friends a week ago. I felt kind of fundie.

All of this has been causing me to ponder how narrow is the road that we Christians walk (Matt 7:13,14)? Because, for many of my Christian friends... they would gladly affirm that Jesus Christ is the only way (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). However, if I pushed them... how clearly would they exclaim that their unconverted family member would burn in hell for all eternity to the glory of God (Rev 14:9-11, Rom 9:22,23)? Doesn't the second chance or universal salvation extolled by Rob Bell sound tempting in that light? (Tempting, but not Biblical.)

But, back to the topic at hand. My pastor had a saying in terms of belief: head, heart, and hands. There had to be an intellectual understanding of who they were believing in, a heart-felt appreciation and love for God, and hands that served Him. For the non-Christian, it is clear they do not believe in God. They are unregenerate lovers of self that worship the gods they have made with their own hands. It becomes more difficult when dealing with those who claim Christ, but who Christ may not know (Matt 7:22,23). They have no love for learning more about God, and no desire to serve him. They love their notion of God... but when it comes to wrath (Rom 1:18,19), judgment (2 Cor 5:10), and suffering (2 Tim 3:12; 1 Pet 4:1-2)... they are quiet or hostile to these ideas that are clearly demonstrated in Scripture.

For the non-Christian, it is clear that we must evangelize to them as often as we can. If we have a true appreciation for God's wrath, and the infinite suffering that a non-believer will face in hell... we would witness with unwavering clarity. For who would let anyone drink poison or walk into oncoming traffic? If we had a clear understanding of God's wide and deep love for the believer, would we not direct our friends and family to drink water that satisfies and to stop gorging themselves on things that leave them empty? (Regardless of how awkward it makes us feel...)

It is with greater difficulty I approach those that assume they are Christian. And it is not my desire to be judgmental or critical, but from where I stand... their lives do not reflect Christ. I think to see Christ in the Christian... it should be easy. I'm not saying that every Christian will be perfect. No far, from it... I think a mark of maturity in a believer's life is the realization of how sinful they actually are. What I am saying is for those that claim to be Christ-following, there should be some pattern that resembles the life that Christ lived. Things like an appreciation for God's written word (Lk 2:46,47), obedience to the word (Jn 14:15, 15:14), pursuit of holiness (1 Pet 1:16), love for the brethren (1 Jn 3:16, Jn 13:35), and more.

And I think one of the most noble yet slightly off-target, is the caring of the physical needs of people and the neglecting of spiritual needs. The physical needs of brethren (Jas 2:14-16) and unbelievers (Jas 1:17) is important. However, Christ commissioned us to make disciples (Matt 28:28-30). We send "missionaries" to foreign countries to build wells, yet offer no living water. And we have the audacity to call this evangelism. Why are we so slow to speak the name of Christ, knowing His name is the only name that saves?

Another concern is the consistency and inconsistency as Christians. Since I am somewhat of a thinker, this is the area I find that Christians struggle with the most: inconsistencies in theology and the application of their theology. What do people do with passages regarding women pastors (1 Tim 2:12-14) or Christians dating non-Christians (2 Cor 6:14) or predestination (Eph 1:3-5)? Many are surprised when I discuss such matters with them. (Which really causes me to wonder - what are pastors preaching from the pulpit? -- especially for those people who find pastors who only preach application.) Most react negatively, refusing to address the text before them. Praise God, that there are some that do appreciate the correction and make changes accordingly.

So what to do when we encounter such "Christians"? First, it is important to remember that we are sinful, fallen creatures. We need to approach these people with the humility and love of Christ. A frequent concern I have with myself and those that adhere to reformed theology is the perceived arrogance we possess when talking things of theology. Now, this shouldn't stop us from admonishing our brethren with Christian truths. (For some have taken this perceived arrogance and gone overboard, refusing to call heresy when it is due to avoid looking like a meanie.) Second, assuming that these are brethren from other churches, we have to realize that God is sovereign and the one who will ultimately cause changes in their heart. We don't need to beat ourselves up if they don't want to dig into the Scriptures and correct their ways. Third, do not lose heart in correcting one another. Since Brian didn't take to your correction says nothing about how Tony will react.

This post has gone on long enough. I know this has not been exhaustive. But, I am exhausted. :)