Shopping for Salvation: Hypocrites, Heroes, and the Smorgasbord of Belief

Two old friends, talking together.

Well, howdy, riend. Pull up a rocking chair and let your knees pop. I do not know exactly where you are in this long, strange trip we call life, mostly because I can barely remember where I put my car keys this morning.

But I do know that when it comes to religion, a whole lot of folks have a take it or leave it attitude. It is like the early bird special at the diner: some folks swear by the meatloaf, and others would rather eat their own shoe. Let us take a look at what might be some of the more common reasons for that perspective, before it gets too close to our bedtime.

First off, you have got the group that says, I do not need religion. I imagine this group is composed mainly of folks who have enjoyed notable success in their life experiences. You know the type. They pulled themselves up by their bootstraps, back when they could still bend over to reach their boots without throwing out their lumbar.

They have got a strong work ethic, maybe a sprinkle of good luck, and excellent connections. When they start a job, they can focus entirely on it and stay with it until it is fully completed to their satisfaction. Maybe you have met people like that. Heck, maybe you are just such a person. If so, congratulations! You survived the working years and made it to the era of senior discounts.

But here is the rub. A common challenge faced by these self-made folks happens when a disaster strikes. Have you noticed that disaster, sooner or later, usually strikes absolutely everyone? Of course, it would be a terrible tragedy if disaster should strike you, but let us be honest, it is a downright catastrophe if it should strike me!

You have, no doubt, heard the old saying that there are no atheists in foxholes. According to philosophynow.org, that famous phrase was actually announced by United States Army Chaplain William T. Cummings in 1942 during the siege of Bataan. It makes sense, does it not? When the artillery starts falling, or when the doctor says you need a colonoscopy, suddenly everybody is looking up at the sky.

Remember old Noah? When the sky was blue, his neighbors thought he was a loon building a boat in his driveway. But when the rains came down and the floods began, everyone suddenly believed Noah. Unfortunately for them, their timing was too late.

Then, you have got the hypocrites who practice religion. Oh boy, do we know a few of these. These are the people who pretend to be highly religious at church, singing in the choir. But when you see them out in the real world, you would never guess they make any profession of religion at all. They are the ones cutting in line and yelling at the cashier over a twenty cent coupon.

They may be the ones who join a church just because it gives them more visibility in the community or more influence with potential customers. A sharp business person must play all the angles, and church going people represent an excellent place to market your products, right?

Maybe no one does more damage to the Christian religion than these hypocrites. People look at them and conclude that all Christians are exactly like that. They then reason they are completely justified in rejecting Christianity because all Christians are fake. Is that fair or reasonable? No to both, but it is awfully human, just like complaining about the thermostat.

Next up, we have the smorgasbord shoppers. They say, I need it, but only now and then. You can see this fellow walking through the store. I will take some of this and a little of this. Let us see, I do not need any of this right now, but maybe next week. It is the convenience based shopper. It is not a real robust religion, but it does offer enough to please many people. No use in going overboard with one's religious beliefs, they figure.

Finally, you have got the True Seekers. I believe these are the ones that can actually change the world. Jesus' twelve disciples were of this category. They were fully committed, no matter the cost. And let me tell you, there was a high cost. According to christianity.com, none of those original apostles died of natural causes, with the possible exception of John, who wrote the book of Revelation.

The rest of them died violently. They did not get a gold watch or a comfortable recliner at the end of their careers. They gave absolutely everything, but we know they will be in Jesus' kingdom when He returns.

True Seekers is the group to which I would like to belong, even if my seeking is done at a much slower walking pace these days. How about you, friend? Think it over while I go try to find my reading glasses. I think I left them in the refrigerator again.

Please share your thoughts and any response you may have in the form below.

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