The announcer takes to the mike in the center ring, "In the left corner, sporting a multi-cultural worldview and secular ideologies, weighing in heavily with self-indulgences, rationalizations, and justification, the challenger, Reeeeeligion! In the right corner, sporting faith and reason, weighing in with truth and righteousness, the champion, the one and only Chrrrrristianity! Now let’s get ready to rumBLE!!!"

In my last writing I endeavored to define the true nature of a Christian, while dispelling the fallacies and misconceptions often used to define it. Today I wish to take it a step further or as famous Chef Emeril Lagasse would say, "kick it up a notch", by contrasting religion and Christianity. Yes, there IS a difference, and the two have been involved in an unending bout in this arena called Earth since the beginning of time. Yet this fight is not for a coveted belt—the stakes are much higher—but for the culture and lost souls!

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary—to paraphrase—limits the definition of religion to being faith-based, supernaturally driven observances, beliefs, and practices. Now, although it is true that most often it does encompass faith in the supernatural, it can, however, also include shared ideologies and beliefs between members of a particular group that do not hold to such faith-based beliefs. For instance, the shared philosophy of atheism is believed by many to be a religion of sort. Others would argue that it is not on the basis that it does not acknowledge or accept a Supreme Being running the universe, and because it denounces the supposedly inspired words attributed to Him. However I maintain that it is. Atheism is made up of individuals who all subscribe to viewing the world through the prism of intellect, idealism, and even emotionalism. And rather than relying on a sovereign God, they’ve usurped His authority, replacing Him with self-reliance, human ingenuity, and an individualistic sense of right and wrong. Thus, their collectively shared unbelief and the reasons they give for it IS their commonly shared belief. Religion, then, is a categorically all-purpose umbrella word that covers, compiles, and consolidates all ideologies, all beliefs, and all faiths that are supported and shared by those of a like-minded group, whether it is faith based or intellectually driven.

What distinguishes it from Christianity is the object of its focus. Religion, in general, places its emphasis on the acceptance of others to express their natural tendencies without condemnation. Its view of the world is seen through a selfish tint. Right and wrong are relative, and is depended on what an individual believes and perceives. It discounts traditional values while taking the position that there is no universal truth, no absolutes, and no moral standard of living. Yet it accepts, promotes, and qualifies the dictates of secularism as the new "normal". To ensure itself of staying ahead of the progressive curve, it requires regular maintenance to stay current to the ever changing, politically adapted, socially accepted, liberal ideas, attitudes, and mores of a society in flux. It trumps accountability with justification, adhering not to standards but to compromises. It panders to and pacifies its members, futilely attempting to please everyone and not offend anyone. The philosophy and creed it promotes can be capsuled by the following slogans it inspires: "Do your own thing", "Live and let live", and "Do and let die." It permits and supports the whims and follies of the popular culture, and validates it by providing a sanctuary for the indulgent, fool hardy, and the rebellious of heart! It is the breeding ground of superstar/celebrity ministers and their pews of devoted fans. It invests into the potentiality of cult followings. It is the high temple for man’s self-centeredness!

In a real sense, Religion is very much like an all-you-can-eat buffet, which claims "it has something for everyone". Buffets are very popular, because at little personal cost they offer a wide array of tantalizing treats to select from. The word ‘select’ is key, because you can pick and choose only those things that are agreeable to your particular taste. If you are like most people, you will begin with a sampling of items whose presentation appeals to you most; AND, if you are like most people, you plow through your first selections with abandonment and an almost religious fervor. (Translation: You quickly chow down like there’s no tomorrow!) But you find yourself still hungry. No problem! You’ll simply go back and treat yourself to more. Now on your second turn to the food bar you consider a different food combination, because you found the first group of selections lacking. Somehow it just didn’t do it for you! So this time you make some new choices or you may decide to pair your new choices with one or more items from your previous selections, thinking that the alleviation of your hunger is, perhaps, only a matter of finding the right combination of things. Having then made your choices you attack them with relish, enjoying the contrasting flavors of the different foods. But again you are beset by disappointment. It looked great and tasted good, and although you had a pretty good-sized helping of everything, you are STILL hungry! Now if you are truly famished you could go for a third turn or more to the food bar or you may be too anxious to get to the novelties and desserts. So you decide to top off your hunger by choosing the most richly, fattening, gooey dessert you can find! But even that does not suffice!

A person could, literally, spend his entire life consuming one exotic dish (liberal beliefs and ideals) after another in the attempt to satisfy a seemingly insatiable appetite. Religion is designed to placate its listeners—not satisfy them—and certainly not to challenge them! Instead it endeavors to make them feel good about themselves and the sinful choices they make. What Religion offers is equivalent to junk food. It provides a momentary fix, however the effects are not long term because it fails to offer anything necessary to promoting and for sustaining life. For the hunger of a man’s soul can ONLY be satisfied by the bread of life, a.k.a. Jesus Christ. He said of Himself in John 6:35, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." He also said of Himself in John 4:13-14, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Jesus was contrasting carnal appetites and spiritual need. The way of the flesh is to always crave more things for the flesh. It is NEVER satisfied! But when the spirit of Christ is in charge of the flesh, the hunger and the appetite for carnal things is brought under submission and is quenched in Him! With your hunger satisfied, you will be able to then sing from and believe in your heart these words from a popular worship song: "I’ve got peace like a river! I’ve got joy like a fountain! I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul!"

When one looks through the lens of history, one can get a rather distorted view of Christianity. At times, from all appearances, it seems to be as much the villain as those people and things it opposed, for many atrocities and much suffering can be attributed to people claiming to be practitioners of the faith! So it could be understood why the mere mention of Christianity might spark a negative reaction in people. Although it may be said that in some instances it was just a case where people were simply misguided in their thinking and they erred in judgment, the consequences nevertheless were no less tragic for those that were impacted by the offenders’ actions. But I submit to you that it was not the failure of Christianity but the failure of the vessels entrusted with the message. God’s word is flawlessly perfect as He is, but the instruments (humans) by which His message is made known is not. Just as His word was true then, it is true today. However, as in days past, there are some influential false imitators even today who, under the banner of Christianity, are driven by personal gain, while others are just blinded by their own ignorance. Fortunately, throughout history, there has also been a spiritual elect—men and women of good conscience and genuine faith—who sacrificially inspired and nudged others in the directions of truth and righteousness, and ushered in positive changes. It is through the legacy of those like these and through the living testimony of today’s elect that the true face of Christianity is seen. True Christianity reflects the face of the cornerstone and foundation of our faith, Jesus Christ.

But what is Christianity, one may ask? Well, again, referring to the dictionary, it defines Christianity as follows: "The Christian religion and the state or fact of being a Christian." That REALLY clears up a lot, doesn’t it? (Sarcasm from the writer.) It then goes on to define a Christian as: "Declaring belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on his teachings." Wrong! Just believing in Jesus does not make one a Christian. Scriptures say that even Satan and his demons believe in him. As to following his teaching as a qualifier, there are people that have attended church all of their lives. They have given their time, their tithes, have taught and been taught, are familiar with bible teachings, and still are not a Christian. Oh certainly those things are applicable to Christianity, but they alone mean nothing if the most important component for which they are attributed to is missing. I cannot emphasize this enough. Christianity is RELATIONAL, thus the name Christian! Much the same as a woman that takes her husband’s name in marriage to signify a bond of unity between them; the name Christian signifies a union, a personal relationship with Christ. The church of God (Christians) is regarded in scripture as the bride of Jesus. Christianity, then, is our freely submitting to the will of Him whose name we bear. That said, everything, no matter how honorable or good the acts or deeds of a person may be, unless Jesus is the center of it all, it is viewed as worthless because the glory from them has been credited not to Him but to your account. Those that are His live not for themselves but to serve and glorify God through Him!

The infrastructure of Christianity is maintained by committed faith and obedience. When we adhere to the principles of Christianity we can find peace, clarity, fulfillment, purposeful service, AND hope. But contrary to popular belief, it is not a hope that is limited only to the promise of someday going to Heaven. It is a hope that can be enjoyed in the here and now! However, the reality of what Christianity holds can only be seen through the eyes of faith. Just as an ignition key is necessary to bringing a car to life, faith is the essential key to accessing the reality of Christ, and to the obtaining of those riches of life that flow through Him from the Father God. It must be clarified that the word ‘riches’ should not be misinterpreted in terms of material possessions—although God does promise to meet our needs—but it is a word to express the spiritual blessings of God. In short, it means to be content and happy in your own skin regardless of the external climate about you, or whether or not you have much or less. Remember, during Christ’s ministry here on Earth He had nothing to call His own, no home or bed to rest His head. As the Creator of the universe He could have had them and a whole lot more if He chose, but He chose not the material things of this world. He was not defined by what He had or didn’t have but by His living a life that glorified God, and in doing so all of His needs were met!

Christianity is the most hated yet most respected of all the faiths. It is the most hated because it dares to hold the individual accountable for his actions, it promotes and emphasizes a universal way of living, but especially—and this is the BIG one—for its uncompromising sense of right and wrong. In a spiritual sense, unbelievers can be likened to cockroaches. Have you ever had an infestation? In the dark these little bug-a-boos freely frolic and enjoy the good life. But when you turn the lights on they scatter everywhere because they hate the light. Likewise Christianity is hated because it is the light that illuminates the infestation of evil that strives in our spiritually dark world. Those in the world do not want their actions exposed; they don’t even want their actions questioned! Their response to the light is to take cover under justification, to hide within the crevices of indignation, and to burrow further into the wall of denial and/or ignorance.

But the name Christianity (Christian) is also revered. Why? Over the years, many of us have observed the countless parading out of celebrities at various award ceremonies. When an award is won, often times the icon that is accepting it is quick to thank God or Jesus for it, their careers, their spouses, and etc. But their dubious public life calls into question whether it is done out of a spirit of genuine thankfulness to the Lord and an honest desire to give Him glory for all that He has done, OR whether it is just a buzz expression to invoke respectability! Yes, despite all of the negative name-calling and the unflattering titles given to those of Christianity, there is still a perceived respectability that comes with the wearer of the name Christian, deserved or not. Perhaps they feel that to say you are a Christian they are afforded some special consideration or credibility somehow, that they are part of some prestigious club!

For similar reasons secularist groups and organizations, which stand in opposition to Christianity, have adjusted their strategy. Once, these groups were able to fire off their politically correct salvos with ease and without challenge. Now they have been met with heavy resistance and firepower from the mainstream, traditional Christian church. The once sleeping giant has awoke and have proven itself to be a formidable foil to these agenda driven social architects, and have shown itself to not only have size but that it has teeth too! To circumvent the church’s influence, thus minimizing the resistance that it poses, these enemies of the faith sought out and found willing allies among the compromised churches that bear Jesus’ name. The question to be asked is why was it so important for the secularists to court those that publicly claim a Christian affiliation, when there are already so many non-Christian churches that condone and support the issues they are promoting? The answer is quite simple really! The name Christianity commands respectability and credibility, and even a compromised church that adopts it name helps legitimize the attitudes and beliefs that secularists hope to institutionalize. A church that appears progressively accepting of such issues as homosexual marriage, abortion, pre-marital sex—among other things—would help win favor among those that are either hateful of and/or disillusioned with the supposedly archaic, out of step, traditional church. So aided by spiritual cohorts like these, the secularists have, to a degree, successfully managed to breach society’s traditional moral integrity, and are in the process of supplanting it with a politically correct gone amuck mentality that has resulted in the erosion of the framework of our society!

Yes, it is indeed a fight to the finish between challenger (religion) and champion (Christianity). And over the years and well into the future—should the Lord tarry—the two will continue to engage, swapping blow for blow and jab for jab for the hearts and minds of the lost and seeking. But at the sound of the last bell it will be Christianity that will still be standing. How do I know? Well, Proverbs 14:12 says: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Now since Jesus has already stated that HE is the way (John 14:6), any other way but Him, then, would be the wrong way! So to those that are quick to invest themselves into self-affirming ideas and beliefs that are contrary to that which He teaches, Jesus says in His word, John 7: 13-14: "You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." Human decadence is unquestionably plentiful and very flavorful! It is also very affordable, or so it appears! In order to fill the pews, Religion, including those imitators of Christianity, is very accommodating and they make concessions to those desiring a much-preferred latitude of secular permissiveness. They show you the sticker price that suggests that, for the low price of your will, you can have bundles of unrestricted fun and delight to your heart’s content. They do not make mention, however, of the hidden cost once the party is over. That cost is the loss of spending eternity with the Creator. How does that saying go; "You can laugh now, but you’ll cry later?!" Well, enjoy the feast!

So what is a Christian? Well a person is not one simply because he chooses to wear the name or can speak a little Christianese. A person is a Christian when he believes in the person of Jesus Christ; when he sincerely confesses his sins and genuinely asks forgiveness in Jesus’ name; when he publicly denounces his old way of life and it becomes evident through visible, credible change; when he voluntarily relinquishes and turns over the deed of ownership of his life to God; AND when he has committed his life to be used by God for His purposes and for His glory! Scriptures refers to believers as ‘salt and light’. (Matthew 5:13-16) Salt is a preservative and a flavor enhancer. Servants of God should be as gatekeepers, preserving His word and at the same time impacting the flavor of the culture by being a positive influence and representing a better alternative. We are to be to this world what light is to the darkness, a stark contrast. Our lives should illuminate the world with a purposeful clarity and a sense of hope! We are to be a living example, for to some we are the only bible that they read. In a real sense, we are God’s public relations; we put a face to God and direct the lost and seeking to Him by our conduct and how we live our lives! But oftentimes, it is not God’s reflection that the world sees when they look at us. It is their own, just minus the spiritual baggage that is filled with ‘thou shalt nots.’ How will others know Him if we don’t live Him?

There are a lot of people confessing to being a Christian, giving lip service about their faith, quoting scriptures, and yet their activities and conduct paint a different picture. They can so easily turn on a dime from being spiritual to secular and back again at a moment’s notice! How can a skillet call a kettle black when it bears the same hue? The concept of what it is to be a Christian has been so skewed by the politically correct dictates of the popular culture and by the failure of many compromising church leaders who are unwilling to confront it. Many so-called Christians that adorn themselves in hypocrisy and inconsistency would have better luck attracting flies than a hungry soul! Why should a potential convert want what you are selling, if all you are selling are things they already possess? They don’t need God to live with a person outside of marriage or to have a sexual relationship. They don’t need God to tell dirty jokes or to use profanity. They don’t need God to read or watch pornographic material. They don’t need God to commit adultery. They don’t need God to get high or get drunk. They don’t need God to gossip and compromise a person’s reputation. They don’t need God to be unforgiving, vengeful and spiteful. They don’t need God to lie, steal, lust, gamble, and etc… They have the same junk in their trunk as you have, so why would they want to buy more? The only difference between their junk and yours is that you gloss over yours with the varnish of religiosity, but regardless of how thick a coating you use to cover it with, the true nature and value of it will show through. People are quick to invalidate what you say by the junk you are presenting! Furthermore, they will invalidate the claim of who God says He is and the promises He has made. I mean, how can a person be expected to trust God when His own public relation agents are misrepresenting—if you will—the product they have asserted as being good and life changing? A Christian’s life should be genuinely displayed through his conduct, activities, and speech. If they are not in agreement, it becomes less attractive to those that may be considering—figuratively speaking—buying into the life you are promoting!

There are a growing number among us in the church that insists on having a dual citizenship. They desire the promises of God but they refuse to abandon the things of Egypt (the world). They are deceived into believing they can have the best of both worlds, when in reality there is only ONE best and God rules it, AND he doesn’t share! To those that believe otherwise he says in Deuteronomy 5: 6-11, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me. But showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." A Christian CANNOT have it both ways! A real Christian would not want to! You are either His or you are not. There is no shade of gray and God doesn’t grade on the curve! Parodying the line in that old song by singer, Louis Jordan, ‘Is you Is or Is you Ain’t’….a Christian? For if you truly are, you can not be double minded in your thinking or have dual loyalties, but instead must follow Him fully in earnest and in truth even to the exclusion of personal liberties and relationships. God is second to nothing and to no one!

Many among us believe that being religious is the same thing as being a Christian, but there is a distinct difference. Religiousness is the way of man, and Christianity is the way of God. One of the illustrations that I like to use in differentiating between being a Christian from just being religious is to direct people to their closet. I know that sounds rather odd and unusual, but bear with me a minute. I tell them to envision their closet and its contents as they relate to clothing. As in most closets you are going to find various types of seasonal wear; various degrees of leisure wear; clothing designated for special events and activities; something for church service; and you might even have something old and worn set aside for working around the house or in the yard. In short, your closet will most likely be equipped to meet any clothing demands and afford you a different look for any occasion. Likewise, a religious person has many different outfits in his spiritual closet, and depending on whose company he is in or what the situation is, he dons a different persona in keeping with what he is experiencing in the moment. He is a human chameleon, adapting and aligning his appearance at will to blend into any situation. He adopts a worldview that is dictated by popular culture. He is driven by self-indulgences and places more importance on the favor and approval of man, than on being a righteous person that pleases God!

Okay, using a similar illustration, let’s say that a Christian’s closet had only one piece of clothing in it. Imagine, one piece of clothing for EVERY situation! What you wore to work you would wear to church, to a party, to the beach, to the movies, to a wedding, while on vacation—well you get the idea! That one suit is all-purpose. But, in addition to it being the only thing that you have to wear, it is something that you wear all of the time. It is like your skin, you wear it 24/7/365 days a year, regardless of the social climate, activity, or how you felt! It is always in season and always in plain view for all to see. It does not shrink from the world’s disfavor or run from disapproval. It holds up to public scrutiny and attacks. It is a one size fit all. And if it appears to not be fitting well, don’t blame the tailor. Might I suggest that perhaps the person is attempting to wear it improperly? No, Christianity is certainly not a product. The exercise here was merely for the purpose of emphasizing the type of commitment that is expected of a true believer. However, if it were a product I believe I would have the perfect slogan for it. "Christianity, you live it; you don’t become it! It's who you are, not what you are! Your life is your fashion statement! Wear it well!" The nature of a true child of God is a one hundred percent devotion to serving Him. We live not for our own pleasure but to glorify Him! We are to adhere to His principles, forsaking lifestyle choices that are contrary to his will. Just as a mural exhibits the quality of an artist’s talents, we are living tapestries that define the wonderful characteristic and rich qualities of a loving Creator!

"But we’re not perfect; everyone makes mistakes!" some may say. In the physical world accidents are commonplace, sometimes resulting in an extreme financial hardship. In the eventuality of an emergency situation and to lessen the financial burden resulting from it, people insure themselves so that they may collect a financial return on their loss. Of course no one hopes or wants to ever have to use their insurance policy, but they are comforted by the fact it is there should circumstances necessitate using it. Although the return can never change what occurred or fully replace what has been lost, it affords them the opportunity for a fresh start and new possibilities. Likewise God also offers—not insurance—but ASSURANCES through His Son Jesus. He understands man’s weakness. He, after all, has the unique prospective of not only designing and creating man to his own specification, but he entered through the back door of humanity to join its rank and file as one. There is a popular saying that goes, "Christians are not perfect, just forgiven!" In other words, people do not cease to be human when they accept God’s precious gift.

Yes, despite our heartfelt commitment and equipping our mind and spirit with God’s word, a true follower will still on occasion err in judgement and fall prey to his old nature, his sin nature. It is because God knows man that he made a provision for such a time as these. His name is Jesus Christ! Jesus died not just for man’s past sins, but his current ones, and for all of his future ones! Now the fact of this does not, however, suggest that it gives one a license to continue in sin. God knows the difference between a person with a committed heart that has a momentary lapse of weakness, and a willfully rebellious one that chooses to march to his own drum beat! God’s provision covers a multitude of sins, but it is applicable only to a repentant heart. So it is not a question of being perfect and never making a mistake, but a question of whether or not a person has a committed heart and is putting forth a sincere effort to live a Godly life. Although we’ll never be perfect in this life, what is expected of us is that we run a good race, that we give God our first fruit, our best effort, our excellence! And should and when we fail Him we can embrace His promise in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify (cleanse) us from all unrighteousness." You know, the more I think about it His assurances ARE our insurance, because we can take Him at his word and rest on them! Amen? And that in itself is a great refund! With that said I ask you again, are you REALLY a Christian or are you JUST plain religious? Whose reflection are you seeing in this mirror?