My husband was impressed with the Christian based talent company where he took my daughter. One statement stood out during the open worship time and presentation. The CEO made this comment, “We are not a cultural Christian Company but we are an overt Christian Company.”
She went on to say that they were not interested in individuals who were there to become famous or rich; instead they were looking for those who were mission minded, humble and bold. They wanted to train Christians to go into the world of entertainment to bring the gospel to a dark area.
A gallop poll taken in 2012 states that 77 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christian¹. In May 2015 Pew research group surveyed 35,000 people from all 50 states and the results showed 70% percent identified themselves as Christians².
This to me was disheartening. If 70 percent of the United States identifies itself as being Christians why is our country in such a mess?
I came to the conclusion that a cultural Christian is more than just going to church on Sunday’s and Wednesdays. It’s about talking a good game but not living the life, Christianity at the shallowest.
Cultural Christianity is what others deem as “Sunday” Christians, go on Sundays to get their church fix or fulfill an obligation. There is also the, “what is in it for me mentality” and pointing out the sin yet forgetting the person, by treating others disrespectful.
The overt Christian goes so much deeper. They take the pastors sermons to heart, and get into the Word on a daily basis. Their words turn into action. The overt Christian sees opportunities to serve others through ministries within the church, and in their communities.
They get their hands dirty, get out of their comfort zones, and have a heart to see others come to Christ. They love the human being because Christ loves them yet in a respectful way not condoning the sin. They produce the fruits of the spirit, deny self and strive to walk by the spirit (Galatians 5).
Overt Christians are not perfect, but there is evidence of growth, others mindedness and seek to be a light in their community, not hiding the light under “a bushel”.
I have to admit when my husband talked about all that was said there was a sick feeling inside. Was I truly an Overt Christian or just going through the motions? I can say there are times I am, but other times that I slip into the culture Christian character. My desire is to be more consistent.
What are you? A cultural Christian or an overt Christian? Because we are human and not yet with the Lord in Heaven we will not be perfect in being an overt Christian 100% of the time but we should be striving for overtness.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
(Galatians 5:22-23 NIV 1984)
“Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
(Galatians 6:7-10 NIV 1984)
1 http://www.gallup.com/poll/159548/identify-christian.aspx
2 http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/
Solitude with the Father 