Shortly after marrying my wife, Crista, I attempted to surprise her by cleaning the house while she was out shopping. Now I tend to be great with vision, even organization. However, my attention to small details is…lacking.
Crista got home, looked around, then politely said, “Thank you for straightening up the house. Let’s take a little time, and I’ll show you what clean is.” My new bride pulled out rubber gloves, Clorox cleaner, Windex, buckets, mops, scrub brushes. Let’s just say I had a revelation about the difference between a surface clean and a ‘deep’ clean. Sadly, we also spend too much of our energy as believers doing surface cleaning when we need a deep clean.
There should be no greater cultural revolution than when a man or woman comes to faith in Christ. Living in the kingdom of God must involve a complete change in values, lifestyles and priorities. We don’t lose our God-given individuality in the process, but the change in our thinking and character will be incredible. The Spirit starts deep cleaning, and couches get moved; cupboards are emptied; painful scouring ensues. What we live for changes. What we value changes.
As Paul wrote to the early believers, “He [God] has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV).
Far too often as Christians, we are content to read a short devotion each morning, bring people to our churches and drop some money in the basket. However, the final command of Jesus is to go to the nations and make disciples (see Matthew 28:19). The command is not to have a great following on social media or be respected in our work places. I’m thankful if these things happen, but our business as believers is to turn away from our sin and turn to Jesus, to make disciples and to teach all that Christ has spoken.
Western Christian culture is starving for biblical authenticity produced by living disciples, and the path to that kind of life is biblical repentance. That kind of genuine growth and living only happens when believers are transformed by the gospel, which means experiencing new birth and being conformed to Christ’s character. Then and only then will we truly impact our communities and the world in a powerful way for God’s kingdom.
John Bailey is the Vice President of World Challenge Inc. and the Founding Pastor of The Springs Church in Jacksonville, Florida. John has been serving the Lord in pastoral ministry for 35 years, ministering the gospel in over 50 nations, particularly as a pastor and evangelist in Cork, Ireland.