#HeartCheckTuesday: Is Your Church Hiding the Real Jesus? The Truth No One Wants to Talk About
Wondering why we’re talking about the real Jesus? It’s because this isn’t the kind of message the contemporary church focuses on anymore. The version of Jesus that is often presented today is one who makes everything beautiful, a Jesus who hands out blessings like chocolate or candy. But is this really who Jesus is?
The truth is, many of us desire a Jesus who will make us millionaires overnight or one who might have us receive a life-changing phone call during a church service. This is why churches are crowded, our pews filled with people, and why we run multiple services that seem to leave no lasting impact in homes or workplaces the next day. But this portrayal of Jesus is far from complete and often misleading.
The Real Jesus Is Not About Materialism
When we begin to present the real Jesus, we might see our churches start to empty out. This is because the real Jesus doesn’t cater to the idols of our hearts or satisfy our cravings for greed and covetousness. The real Jesus calls us to something deeper, something more challenging, and something far more rewarding than mere material blessings.
Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24, ESV). The real Jesus demands self-denial, a willingness to bear our own crosses, and a commitment to follow Him, even when it’s hard. This Jesus is not concerned with making us comfortable but with making us holy.
Following the real Jesus comes with a cost. He demands our total allegiance, our sanctification, holiness, and consecration. Jesus Himself said, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27, ESV). The cost of following Jesus isn’t just about giving up certain behaviors; it’s about giving up ourselves, our desires, and our worldly ambitions in exchange for His will.
The Apostle Paul echoed this when he wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20, ESV). The real Jesus transforms lives, not by granting worldly success, but by renewing our hearts and minds so that we live for Him, not for ourselves.
Dear HeartChecker, which Jesus were you introduced to? The Jesus of the Bible who calls us to repentance and transformation, or the Jesus of modern culture who promises ease and prosperity?
And dear Pastor, remember that the church is meant to be “the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15, NIV). It is our responsibility to present the real Jesus. Let us not shy away from the hard truths of the Gospel. Let us boldly present the Jesus who saves, sanctifies, and calls us to a life of holiness.
When we preach the real Jesus, we may not fill the pews as easily, but we will fill heaven with true disciples who have counted the cost and have chosen to follow Him wholeheartedly.
(C)RCNLagos