Plastic Christianity | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Plastic Christianity

"I'm fine" just doesn't cut it in the Body.

110
Plastic Christianity
Pixabay.com

"Plastic"
Adjective | \'plas-tik\ | not real or sincere
(Merriam-Webster's Dictionary)


The Body of Christ is comprised of screwed up sinners who have been offered a free gift of grace through faith—that's a simple fact. Not one of us is perfect, and not one of us has everything put together; however, have you ever noticed that, within the Church, most of us live as if we do?

This is what I call "plastic Christianity." Not "plastic" in the sense that it's not genuine, but "plastic" in that it's not sincere. If we understand that the Body of Christ consists of sinners who constantly wage war against their flesh, then why do we insist on acting as if the fallenness of the world does not cause heartache or struggle in our lives? Why do we put on the facade of "I'm fine," when we often are the farthest thing from it?

Whether we are saving face due to pride (seeking to be the "best" Christian in the room) or shame (so afraid of letting people know the real us), "plastic Christianity" plays a detrimental role in our growth individually and communally. When we refuse to confess our struggles to our brothers and sisters in Christ (James 5:16), we hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives—confessing our sins and growing in community with our brothers and sisters is a vital aspect of sanctification as we put down our pride and admit our humanity. By confessing that we are struggling—whether that be with insecurities, anger, or doubt—we are admitting our failings and inviting the Spirit to reshape and remold our lives into the image of Christ.

More than that, however, when we admit that we do not have everything put together, we are giving others the freedom to confess the same. When we live a life of "I'm fine," we create the culture that Believers are somehow immune to hurts, struggles, or sin, and we, therefore, create a barrier for other followers of Christ when they suddenly encounter a struggle of some kind. By giving others the freedom to admit their humanity, we are encouraging the biblical community where followers of Christ get outside of themselves and bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).

I'll admit, I'm the first one to jump to the "I'm fine" answer when asked how I am, or even when confronted by a close brother or sister who can read my emotions and tell when I'm struggling. There's something terrifying about admitting our failings and our struggles, but there is also something so freeing. By sharing my life with people and allowing myself to be known, I have encountered some of the most valuable relationships in my life.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Give someone the freedom of speaking second.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190944
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15287
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458146
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26773
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments