It is common word around lots of [Christian] circles that if we don't shape into people who are like Christ, there may not be anything to worry about. After all, we're all sinners just saved by grace, we're all on a journey together, it's human nature to mess up. All those things Jesus said, all those things the New Testament authors said, about not getting involved in sin, about changing who we are, none of that really matters, because we've been saved by God's grace. If a church is full of people with sins they don't want to get rid of, or full of people who don't want to become like Christ, that's okay, because the church is a hospital of sinners. You know what, if you don't change, that's okay; you don't have to change. Sure, change would be great. But Jesus loves you just as you are and you don't have to go that extra mile if you don't want to!

These are things said - and worse yet, believed - by many Christians. Not surprising, many of these Christians are Christians who have not changed, Christians who have not put on the character of Christ, Christians who have pretty much disregarded the parts of the Bible commanding life change. I have opened up the Bible, and I just can't rest in the belief that it's "okay" to sit Jesus on the back-burner. It is obvious Jesus did not think this way. He says, "Give me all or give me nothing." I think it is some unholy conspiracy to believe that there's nothing wrong at all for a Christian to refuse to change, or a Christian to not care about change. I have seen it a lot, and it really hurts me deep inside, because I know life-change is essential to the Message. After all, didn't Jesus come to usher in a new way of life - union with God in our ordinary lives (Kingdom)? - and to bring about new communities comprised of those who are living out that union with God?

Let me ask you this: if someone says they're a Christian, but who they are doesn't change after their reunion with God through Jesus' sacrifice, are they really Christians? If they say they are Christians but do not show any signs of change (none of us will ever be perfect; in the same breath, we won't be stagnant in our maturity, either) - are they really Christians? Because the meaning behind Christian is "Christ-like" or "like-Christ", are we really Christians if we aren't, God forbid, anything like Jesus? Hmmm...