Sermon Snippet – Is Christianity Boring?
INTRODUCTION – Is Christianity boring? Certainly some people think that it is. My experience is that younger people are especially likely to feel that they are missing much in life if they choose to follow Christ Jesus. My advice is to not judge Christianity by one boring sermon – perhaps this one!
1. THE COMMANDS OF GOD ARE GOOD FOR US – AND GOOD IS NOT BORING
I John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous [burdensome].” Undergirding our faith, then, is “love” – and there is nothing better than love. The surrounding verses speak often of “love” and also of “victory.” We like winning; victorious love (or, if you prefer, loving victory) is perfectly formed and found in Jesus, Whose love for us saves us eternally and enables us to live differently now. This New Testament insight helps us to better understand and appreciate the do’s and do not’s of the Old Testament. Exodus 20 details the Ten Commandments (nine of which are specifically restated in the New Testament for Christians, the exception being the Sabbath, since we worship on Sunday, the day of Jesus’ Resurrection). It is easy to label these imperatives as boring, but just a bit of thought will lead to the opposite conclusion. First, these commands are manifestations of the victorious love of Jesus and indicate His fervent interest in the details of our lives. Second, these commandments prevent us from hurting others. I hope that we do not think that killing someone (verse 13) is exciting, for then we would by psychopaths. Third, these rules should be viewed practically. For example, I do not want anyone stealing from me (verse 15). These prohibitions are not at all boring. Rather, they free us to live helpful, honorable lives. Such lives are meaningful and thus not at all boring.
2. THE COURSE OF GOD IS GOOD FOR US – AND GOOD IS NOT BORING
In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus contrasts the “way” of the unbeliever with the “way” of the believer. Because the path of the Christian is described as “narrow,” it is possible to think that Christianity is restrictive and cramped. However, the word picture is of a safe, protected road – one with a sure destination. The thought of II Corinthians 6:17-19 is similar: “Be ye separate” (verse 17b) is, literally, “Set boundaries.” We know that boundaries are necessary to define a nation. Likewise, we do not build homes without walls. We need safety and security in all areas of our lives, and Jesus provides the greatest boundary of all: we are enveloped and enfolded in His eternal family as His “sons and daughters” (verse 18). That eternal embrace begins here, right now, for our Lord has a definite plan for each one of us, a good plan – and good is not boring.
3. THE KINDNESS OF GOD IS GOOD FOR US – AND GOOD IS NOT BORING
Numbers 6:24-26 is a well-known benediction: “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: the LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” The picture is of God looking upon us with approval; we might say that this is the smile of God. Our God is not a boring killjoy, as some try to portray Him. Rather, in kindness He bestows His divine smile upon His people, for He ever gives us His best (“peace” is our complete well-being). The kindness of God is obviously good – and good is not boring.
CONCLUSION – Yes, God smiles upon His people, but He does even more in Luke 15:20, in the parable of the Prodigal Son, God (the “father” of this spiritual story) is pictured as running to us to welcome us. This divine dash is emblematic of His desire to save us from our sins so that we can be with Him in heaven forever. It is exhilarating and exciting to think of the intensity of this love of God. The personal sacrifice of God the Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross stand as an eloquent and everlasting testimony of genuine love. May each of us trust in Him for salvation, and may we grow in our appreciation of His commands, course, and kindness.