Can a Middle Class American be a Disciple of Christ?
If God can cause a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, then yes, a middle class American can enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:25).
But they have so much going against them. The opportunites to be choked into complete fruitlessness are so numerous and so tangibly pressing from every side.
And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. - Mark 4:18-19
I don’t believe that it is incumbent upon everyone who would follow Christ to necessarily sell all of their possessions and give to the poor as the rich young ruler was commanded to do in Mark 10:21. However, if anyone would come after Christ, it is absolutely essential that he forsake (or, “say good-bye to”) his possessions, such that when Christ does say, “Leave that thing behind,” he says, “Yes, Lord,” and does not turn back.
So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. - Luke 14:33
There may be good and godly reasons for some followers of Christ to continue in a middle class American lifestyle. Lord have mercy on those whom you would call to remain in such a circumstance, and give them extra grace. The temptations toward futility will be enormous.
September 21st, 2008 at 9:14 am
There may be good and godly reasons for some followers of Christ to continue in a middle class American lifestyle. Lord have mercy on those whom you would call to remain in such a circumstance, and give them extra grace. The temptations toward futility will be enormous.
That last paragraph is an amazing statement… and unfortunately, very true. How easy it is to meander along, not offending anyone, fitting in with the general inclinations of the culture around us.