When comedian Yakov Smirnoff first came to the United States from Russia, he was shocked by the number of “instant products” available in American grocery stores. He says, "On my first shopping trip, I saw powdered milk--you just add water, and you get milk. Then I saw powdered orange juice--you just add water, and you get orange juice. And then I saw baby powder, and I thought to myself, ‘What a country!’"
What Smirnoff did not see, although many people look for it, is a product called “Powdered Christian.” Many assume that maturity in the faith is quick and easy. But there is no quick fix for sin, our estrangement from God, other people, self, and the created world. We cannot simply go to church, add the water of baptism, and suddenly experience substantive changes of habits, attitudes, and character. Growth in Christ’s likeness is a struggle from baptism onward.
Followers of Jesus Christ are not instantly transformed. We are slowly formed by increased understanding of our faith and increased reliance on our faith as we face trial, sacrifice, suffering, and temptation. A study has found that only 11 percent of churchgoing teenagers have a well-developed faith. This increases to only 32 percent for churchgoing adults, although so few teens are now active in church that this percentage will most likely decrease. It is time for all congregations to develop an environment in which followers of Jesus can mature.
At Grace we have the Five Core Commitments to help. One, worship regularly. Two, invite others to church, share the good news of Jesus Christ. Three, give sacrificially. Four, volunteer as God has gifted you. And five, engage in prayer and Bible study throughout the week. -DJ
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