What does it mean to be a Christian? Does it mean knowing a lot about the Bible, especially the New Testament? Does it mean going to church and praying and avoiding sin? Does it mean genuinely holding on to certain beliefs like those listed in the Apostles' Creed ?

Well, let me make a not-perfect comparison: What does it mean to be married? Does it mean knowing things about your spouse (their middle name, their favorite restaurant, or favorite show to binge)? Does it mean having a marriage license? Does it mean going out on dates and not cheating on each other? Does it mean believing certain things about your spouse (that they are a good person, for instance)?

Possibly all those things to some degree, of course. But also something more. It’s about how you LIVE. Do you live with one another, taking each other into account, meshing together schedules and wants and concerns? Do you show love to one another not just profess it? Are your future hopes and dreams tied up together?

The New Testament Letter reading Sunday ( James 1:19-27 ) says we are to be “doers of the word and not hearers only.” I think that means something like living my life with Jesus and not just nodding my head when anyone speaks of him. To BE like Jesus — have some of him ‘rub off’ on me — not just admire him from a distance. What would that look like for you? Would anything need to change if you took that seriously?

The Gospel reading ( Mark 7:6-8, 14-15 ) has Jesus quoting the prophet Isaiah complaining of those who honor the Lord with their lips but keep their hearts and lives out of his reach. They try to keep rules without living with the One who gave them the rules of life.

So, is Christianity something you ARE or just something you believe?

I’ll see you Sunday at 9 am in the Sanctuary. I would love to get your comments or questions. Just click here.

(The contemporary service is in the midst of its own series introducing the re-start of that service now called Cross Connect .)