Organic Faith

“I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law.” (Romans 10:2-3 NLT)

Humanity has always tried to get things right with God by following religious rules and practices. Unfortunately, every religion eventually gets contaminated by culture, politics, greed, and personal agenda. It all starts out with good intentions.  Individuals who have faith in God unite to form a community with like-minded people. They create a church, an institution that provides a meeting place and services for those who are seeking God. The church expands. Soon, the growth of the organization becomes the central focus. The resultant ‘churchianity’ is easy to package, market, and sell for profit.

Pure Christianity, without the add-ons, is not as palatable. It’s like having

100% cacao, when you are used to eating chocolate candy bars. You always thought you loved chocolate, but you discover how hard it is to swallow without the sugar.  Organic faith is hard to sell. Thus, it is repackaged with cultural additives and preservative traditions. This may be marketed as Christianity, but it is merely churchianity.

At the center of Christianity is Jesus. He taught us to follow His example. Even though He was a carpenter by trade, Jesus did not build churches. He didn’t accumulate wealth. He didn’t conform to social norms. He led a consecrated life of unconditional love and sacrifice. He asked us to trust Him, to embrace the mystery, and surrender ourselves to an incomprehensible God.