Article : by Chris Barna

The passive gospel? Part 1

An atheist friend of mine calls Christianity “the passive gospel”.  At first, I thought this was a compliment, commenting on how Christians are supposed to be peacemakers, helpers of the poor and lovers of God and our neighbours.  But I realized she was not talking about these qualities, she was talking about the inaction of some Christians in circumstances that require action.

Jesus was not passive.  He moved around a lot.  He spoke to many, and healed, fed and loved people.  He fought against the establishment when required.

John 21, 15-17

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these? Yes, Lord, he said, you know that I love you.  Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'  16 Again Jesus said,  'Simon son of John, do you truly love me?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.'  17 The third time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?'            

      Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep".

In this passage Jesus gives explicit instructions as to how loving Jesus leads to action. Do you love Jesus? Help feed children. Help care for people. Help feed the hungry.

When you go to work every day do you pray for God to do your work for you? Do you expect Him to miracle your work done? No. You would be quickly out of a job if you waited on God to do it for you. If you see something that needs doing perhaps you should pray for it, and then do it yourself. Christians are not supposed to be passive. Our God is not passive. We should be people who get things done, and then others will see the work of God in action.

This idea blends well with the message of spiritual maturity.

Hebrews 5: 12-14

12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Mature Christians are teachers, and the best teachers teach by example, with action. In order to make any impact on the world we need to act, not preach.

“A person is like a bird. A bird can fly very high, as long as it keeps moving its wings. If it stops flapping its wings even for a moment it will fall. So to is it with people.” – Rabbi Israel Salanter

Related Articles

The Passive Gospel -Part 2

Return to index

Note:  You will see articles like this on a regular basis.  These articles are submitted by the congregation.  Hope you not only enjoy them but prayerfully consider what God is saying through them.