What is a Christian?
Christian spirituality is about a process of formation, a process in which we are formed by, and in, Christ: Christ who, sharing the form of God, assumed the form of a servant (Phil 2.6). In this process, we are transformed so that we come more and more to share the Christ nature. Spiritual formation, then, is not a process of self-cultivation by which we are helped to adjust, to conform to the values of the dominant social order. Spiritual formation is not about adjustment. It is a process of 'Christ-ening', of being clothed with Christ, and in this process we are transformed. It is a process that which involves confrontation, exploration and struggle, and its goal is maturity in Christ. Kenneth Leech, "Spirituality and pastoral care" p.5
I started reading above quoted book today. Over lunch a friend of mine commented that he can work with a co-worker for 3 years and not know if he/she is a Christian or not. He then asked, "What is a Christian today?" This friend is not a Christian and asked a sincere question (which in itself is also a powerful observation). The quote above centralizes the Christian journey on Jesus and becoming like Him in his servant capacity. It also shows that Christianity is not an adaptive enterprise – it is foolishness and upside down.
So why is it so difficult for my friend to figure out who is Christian and who is not?
About the Author
Tom loves life and enjoys exploring as much of it as he can. He is sharing life with Lollie, Tayla and Liam as well as friends and family. He is passionate about the kingdom and how it takes expression in South Africa.
Spread The Love, Share Our Article
Comments
There are 2 comments for this post.
Trackbacks
There are no trackbacks on this entry.
Today I had a kid in my class that commented that he thinks that his "spiritual" life has gone backwards this year because he is starting to ask a lot of questions. I was dumbstruck and wondered who taught him that questions were bad/evil. I wish more of us will ask: what are the questions our lives raise? Then maybe it wouldn't have been neccessary for us to answer yours. But it is.
Adri-Marie,
I'm so glad to know that you can free the student from a deceptive and erroneous concept that places questions and spirituality in a binary!