Why We Shouldn't Settle For Artificial Christianity | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why We Shouldn't Settle For Artificial Christianity

"In order to be the 'fruit' that He called us to be, we must practice what we preach."

17
Why We Shouldn't Settle For Artificial Christianity
Liz Schreyer

Make a list of your favorite desserts. The list is likely to include Strawberry Short Cake, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Apple Pie. What about your favorite candy? Skittles, Sour Straws, or Starburst? Basically, anything “fruit” flavored, right? Everything sweet we love is made to taste like fruit, but we don’t actually like fruit. We eat it when we have to, when there’s no other option, or when we go on a healthy kick, but other than that, we ignore it.

Because let’s be honest—fruit-flavored candy doesn’t actually taste like fruit. And fruity desserts are good because the fruit is covered in cinnamon, sugar, cream and bread. We take something natural, extract the part we like about it and use it to make something that we enjoy, but is essentially bad for us.

Sound familiar?

We do the same thing with Jesus.

We get saved as a child (real or not), we grew up and we went to college. Some of us went to a Christian college. Our favorite things to do are go to small groups, help out with Sunday school, lead Bible studies, and take trendy Bible and coffee pictures at the local coffee shop. We don’t dig deep into the Word. We don’t talk to God consistently. We don’t share His Truth with anyone. We don’t reach beyond the walls of the church. We don’t disciple, we don’t do outreach, we simply miss the point. Because it’s easy, and because it tastes better. We settle for what is supposed to look like real Christianity, but really is nothing like it. It goes by the same name, but underneath, it’s an entirely different thing. It’s sugar-coated, and it’s fake, and it has no roots. To be honest, it’s not even natural. It’s not the way that Jesus ever intended His followers to be. It was never supposed to be easy or trendy. But we made it out to be something that it isn’t. We extracted the part of Christianity that we wanted to keep, and we used it to make something that we enjoy, but that is essentially bad for us.

*Warning: This lifestyle contains artificial flavor.*

Real Christianity doesn’t require trendy pictures. It doesn’t require you to be popular amongst the other church people. It does, however, require real fruit. The minute we accept Him, we become a ripe fruit—a fruit with seeds that is able to bear more fruit. That means our relationship with Jesus must be deeper than the ground we came out of. We weren’t called to rot. And we weren’t called to look pretty on the outside and not be the same way underneath. Nobody wants to bite into an apple and find a worm.

In order to be the “fruit” that He called us to be, we must practice what we preach. We must practice what the read. We have to intently study His word, we have to stay in touch with Jesus all day every day. We have to listen to His voice and obey it. We have to go beyond the walls of the church to make a difference. We have to find people who haven’t seen the light and lead them to it. We have to be able to show people that the reason we live is reason enough for them to live. The best way to prove that we live what we believe is to be an example of Jesus. To be fruitful. To be real. Not artificial.

*This lifestyle is made with real fruit.*

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
kid
Janko Ferlic
Do as I say, not as I do.

Your eyes widen in horror as you stare at your phone. Beads of sweat begin to saturate your palm as your fingers tremble in fear. The illuminated screen reads, "Missed Call: Mom."

Growing up with strict parents, you learn that a few things go unsaid. Manners are everything. Never talk back. Do as you're told without question. Most importantly, you develop a system and catch on to these quirks that strict parents have so that you can play their game and do what you want.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
tv.com

"Friends" maybe didn’t have everything right or realistic all the time, but they did have enough episodes to create countless reaction GIFs and enough awesomeness to create, well, the legacy they did. Something else that is timeless, a little rough, but memorable? Living away from the comforts of home. Whether you have an apartment, a dorm, your first house, or some sort of residence that is not the house you grew up in, I’m sure you can relate to most of these!

Keep Reading...Show less
man working on a laptop
Pexels

There is nothing quite like family.

Family is kinda like that one ex that you always find yourself running back to (except without all the regret and the angsty breakup texts that come along with it).

Keep Reading...Show less
bored kid
Google Images

No matter how long your class is, there's always time for the mind to wander. Much like taking a shower or trying to fall asleep, sitting in a classroom can be a time when you get some of your best ideas. But, more than likely, you're probably just trying to mentally cope with listening to a boring lecturer drone on and on. Perhaps some of the following Aristotle-esque thoughts have popped into your head during class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Advice To Live By As Told By Bob's Burgers

The Belchers hold the key to a better life.

1259
Bob's Burgers
Adult Swim

Bob's Burgers is arguably one of the best and most well-written shows on tv today. That, and it's just plain hilarious. From Louise's crazy antics to Tina's deadpan self-confidence, whether they are planning ways to take over school or craft better burgers, the Belchers know how to have fun. They may not be anywhere close to organized or put together, but they do offer up some wise words once and awhile.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments