There's a cliche I ran across every so often: "There are no lone ranger Christians" or "there are no maverick Christians!". This is usually directed at unchurched folks who profess to be Christian or religious. Mind you, some of them don't attend church because they were badly burned by the experience. Scolding people like that is counterproductive. However, I won't linger on that issue because it's not my main point.
Over the years I've attended number of Easter services where the Paschal Greeting (or Easter Acclamation) is used:
Alleluia, Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The thought crosses my mind, how many parishioners who say that really believe it? How many say that because the person next to them says it, and it would be awkward not to respond in kind?
Likewise, how many parishioners find the claim more credible because they're in a social setting that's reinforced? Do they feel the same way when they're not in church? Do they feel the same way when they're not around people who believe that? Would they find it harder to affirm without the amplification of social reinforcement?
Things can happen to in life that throw you back on your own resources. Situations where you must stand alone. Christians need to have a deep-rooted faith. In that sense, every Christian must be prepared to go it alone.
Thanks, Steve, for an edifying post!
ReplyDeleteIn addition, I think there are some Christians who may have (voluntarily or involuntarily) had to go it alone at least for certain periods or seasons of their life. For example, those who were persecuted by the powers that be (e.g. Elijah who yet knew not about the 7000). Those who had to stand alone against even the so-called "church" at the time (e.g. Athanasius). Those who were imprisoned and tortured (e.g. Richard Wurmbrand). Those in otherwise unusual circumstances (e.g. Arthur Pink in the last years of his life, though if I recall his wife was with him).
The last chapter of Man - The Dwelling Place of God by A. W. Tozer is titled:
ReplyDeleteThe Saint Must Walk Alone