The Church, Capitalism and Christ by Susan Caldwell

While sitting in church one Sunday listening to a dear young man as he worked to communicate a message, one he was quite passionate about, I became aware of how often fear is used to control. I do not believe this was his intent to begin with. But as his emotions mounted so did his need for us to understand the gravity of the situation, and so “the” ultimatum was laid down; if we did not wish to spend eternity in hell we should do as he says.

Sadly, this did not shock me. This is a message that has become synonymous with the church in America, at least in my lifetime. The picture of a charismatic preacher yelling from a pulpit, “Turn or burn” quickly comes to mind. Although the stereotype of this (very wrong) way of coercing people into behaving or believing is attached to the church, the church did not invent this creative behavior modification. Yet, I do believe the church, like all of America, has sub-consciously bought into the greatest marketing scheme ever devised, frightening people into; behaving, believing, becoming what we want or need or the goal of true capitalism, consume a product, (which, in my opinion is the most brilliantly evil and morally corrupt way in which to control people).

I am wondering today if this is even possible…to live without fear. Has the message been so subtle over my whole lifetime that I am now only becoming aware of how much it controls me; my every daily thought and ultimately how I live each day? And, where does Jesus fit into this? Is this how He wants me to live, in constant fear?

And, am I more consumed with avoiding sin than seeing Christ? (…like the Pharisees?)
Am I more worried about how I will appear to others than receiving more of Christ? (“When I am weak He is strong”)
Am I afraid that He will not be enough? Am I afraid of being hurt, being betrayed, being misunderstood, being out of control? (Is this not exactly what Christ said would happen to us, if we decided to follow Him?)
How could God possibly be glorified in broken vessels? (“To those who have been forgiven little, love little”)

But, if we could be honest with ourselves (which fear makes it impossible to be) wouldn’t we say that what we are most afraid of is not being able to control those around us? And even this is not totally honest, because even deeper inside is the fear that we will be exposed, seen for whom we really are…and that all we have really accomplished so far in our lives (with Christ) is how to hide our sin from one another, because? Ultimately we are afraid…and the cycle continues.

So I will risk persecution and rejection to bring God’s message; an unpopular message, one that ironically we seem to fear the most and yet, is the only one that will bring us out of fear and into freedom. Christ broke the bondage of sin…shame on us for allowing our fears, even the fear of sin, to put us, or others back into bondage.

So I boldly say to myself (and anyone who chooses to hear);
There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus
Perfect Love casts out all fear
If we say we have no sin, the truth is not in us…(this is a present verb usage…not past tense).
If, we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I will lean on these words of truth and attempt to change the course of my life…I do not wish to live one more day in fear…nor do I want to place anyone under the bondage of slavery to fear…this world was never meant to be without sin…that is not our life goal in Jesus…avoiding sin…but claiming the One True Hope…Jesus Christ, this is our call; love one another, love God.

Be free then.
Live boldly.
Christ will sustain us.
Amen? Amen!