In My Life
The dictionary defines ‘nominal’ [as in a ‘nominal Christian’] as an adjective to mean ‘in name only’ i.e. no substance or reality behind the word itself. Thus, a nominal Christian might describe someone who would not intentionally identify with a non-Christian religion but would typically evidence few of the components of a serious and devoted follow of Jesus. No doubt, in the West, people would not likely describe themselves as ‘nominal’ Christians but, in reality, they only occasionally darken a church door.
Sometimes a nominal Christian is challenged to take Jesus more seriously, moving toward a place where Jesus is now more prominent in their life. Some may have ‘followed’ Jesus from a significant and safe distance, so significant is that distance that a casual observer would be surprised to learn that such person is ‘following’ Jesus at all. Moving ‘closer’ to Jesus, attempting to increase the power and significance of His presence in our life can be scary.
Being scared of ‘good’-either of becoming so ourselves, or becoming closer to Someone who is, can be a rather uncomfortable and pride-crushing experience. Thus, many ‘nominal’ Christians would rather remain as they are. They don’t need more of Jesus to make them more ‘good’-in their eyes they are ‘good enough’, and surely God grades on the curve anyway, right?! So, for them, ‘nominal’ is so natural, hearing and approving the words and actions of Jesus, ‘meek and mild’, ‘following’ Him from a very safe distance, a far enough distance to fail to hear His hard sayings about what it means to follow Him.
But is seeking to move Jesus into a more ‘prominent’ position in our life what He is seeking to accomplish within us? Prominent is usually defined as something or someone being important or famous. Historically speaking, Jesus is certainly famous and important. The Roman calendar has been divided around His presumed year of birth, making historical events occurring either ‘B.C.’ or ‘A.D.’ But I suggest that even prominent is not merely who He is nor who He wishes to be in relation to us. He is in fact pre-eminent in the universe and desires to be so within our heart and life. Pre-eminent is defined as ‘surpassing all others.’ Can I abandon the tasteless pablum of nominal Christianity, and move towards the prominence of Jesus in my life? But, does He expect to stay even there? Am I smug about Him being in that position in my life? Do I make Him pre-eminent, or do I finally recognize that is what He already is, was, and forever will be? Hardly a proud achievement to recognize what is already true: “For in Him, all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form…and He is the head over all rule and authority [Colossians 2:9-10.] So, I suggest we don’t really move Jesus from a nominal position, or to prominence or even to pre-eminence in my heart.
Allowing Him to be in my heart, life, schedule, values, what He already is elsewhere-totally pre-eminent, is a dramatic, soul-jarring encounter with incarnational Truth. Seat belts are recommended.
“Aslan is a lion-the Lion, the great Lion. “Ooh, said Susan. “I’d thought
He was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about
meeting a lion”…”Safe? Said Mr. Beaver…who said anything about
safe? ‘Course He isn’t safe. But He is good-He is the King I tell you”
[C.S. Lewis-The Chronicles of Narnia]
Regarding Jesus, what role does He have in your life?
“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and do not do what I say”? -Luke 6:46
CJS
As I reflect on my spiritual journey, I must confess that God has moved me along a road where I once was a Christian in name only. I merely conformed to what others thought a Christian was. I checked off the boxes of church attendance, baptism and giving money and time to the church. Then, I met some students who were genuinely walking with the Lord and I realized that I did not have the “real disease”. I was only imitating Christianity. However, my initial Christian experience lacked a total commitment to His Lordship over every area of my life. Christ faithfully and persistently moved me forward toward a realization that He demands total surrender and total devotion. Today, I begin each day offering myself to Him as a living sacrifice. through studying His Word, I know Him better and understand that He has bought me and all that I have and all that I am belong to Him.
Thank you Dan for your comments. Well do I remember our experience at the University of Tulsa where I also was confronted with the reality of what it means to let Jesus be who He is in my life. Wow! What a transforming experience that was and continues to be!
Mmange42@gmdil.com
I would find it difficult to judge people: so I am not sure I totally agree with this article. I agree that Jesus is the center of a Christian’s life but we all may wish ship J sue differently: I am always trying to avoid judging but this is difficult. Thanks for the good discussion.
Mona: thank you for your thoughts; actually, I was not trying to encourage people to be judging others but rather to judge or examine ourselves. Paul told the Corinthian church: “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” [II Corinthians 13:5]. My purpose in writing this post was to encourage people to not assume their spiritual status but to test themselves as to the role Jesus plays in their lives.