When we pause to compare our total theology (the Faith once for all delivered to the saints) with the actualities of our life, it just might reveal we have strayed from our calling. As C. S. Lewis noted, when we find ourselves on the wrong path, we must find our way back to the point of departure. This is the purpose of the self-examination… Upon finding that point of departure, I believe it will reveal some areas where correction is needed.
It is good, no necessary, for everyone, but especially Christians occasionally to stand back mentally and review what is going on in one’s life or in the life of the church. The question to ask is: “Why am I (we) doing what I (we) am doing?” That is, asking precisely how our Christian theology informs our thinking in all matters of life and practice. The purpose for this mental exercise is to identified reasons and/or assumptions which form the only basis for doing what one does. More directly, as Christians it is to ask if we have become theologically out of balance or maybe, have we simply neglected our so great salvation so that we only have a passive Christianity. In either case, it is possible that over time the theologically constructed perspective with which we began our Christian life fades into the background as ideas from culture assume a greater leadership in one’s Christian life. In part, this shameful phenomenon may result as one is captivated by the cultural notion of being progressive. The power of being progressive encourages one always to be looking for something new and exciting which tacitly expresses a dissatisfaction with tradition, what is historic, or what is old. This under-the-skin itch to want to be viewed as progressive seeps into one’s thinking almost unnoticed before it is too late. No amount of scriptural dressing and disguise will camouflage the fact that this thinking comes from the world. Evidence that this progressive mindset is taking hold in evangelical churches is obvious. Consider the language of the sermons and in particular the words and phrases used repeatedly in talking about Christianity, and one will see they are but an echo of the world’s thinking. Pay attention to how important elements of the public worship have changed, such as when congregants speak of worship it is often exclusively in connection with singing. In fact, a general survey of Christian literature will expose how progressive ideas have made their way into the evangelical world but always draped with biblical texts.
