Finding the Core

Continuing last week's thoughts sparked by the Curse of Knowledge, let's talk about the Core of being a Christian. If we were to boil down what it means to be a Christian, what would that look like? I had said maybe we should look for the ending point instead of the starting point. I pondered that idea some more while mowing the lawn. I'm not sure that approach is any better. Someone posted some excellent thoughts in response to this dilemma. Be sure to read them.

Anonymous' comments are heading in the same direction that my own thoughts are. As I contemplated what the ending point would be in the pursuit of the Core, I began to think about it terms of a relationship. Many people would say the ending point is heaven itself, where we hope to spend eternity after death and/or the end of the present world, whichever comes first. Heaven is the end destination, but I don't think it's the ending point of the Core.

God is the beginning and end of all things. Therefore, I think being in relationship with him is the beginning AND end of the Core. That's what he wants from us. Deep down, I believe that's what all of us want - we just don't always realize it. It's as simple as that.

For those of you who are burdened by the Curse of Knowledge, you're probably thinking I'm some kind of liberal theologian who believes everyone will be going to heaven, assuming there is one. You're wondering where does sin, the atonement, and Christian living come in? What about the Holy Spirit? Baptism? Those are all important issues, but I don't think they are part of the Core.

The Core is nothing more than God wants to be in relationship with us. When we understand that, we can begin to do just that - live in relationship with him. When we seek to live in relationship with him, we will begin to discover all those other things. We will learn how hard it is without outside help. We will seek that outside help once we discover what it is. The Holy Spirit will reveal to us things like only the selfless sacrifice of Jesus can restore the relationship. We will begin to experience the power of the Holy Spirit as it changes our lives and empowers us to live in that relationship and become more like him.

Realizing the simplicity of the Core will liberate us to live more fully in that relationship with God. When we shed the burden of all the extraneous rules, regulations, and belief systems, there are less barriers between God and us. We can experience true repentance. Click here to read an excellent post by OT professor Brian Russell from Asbury Theological Seminary on what Jesus meant when he said "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near." I think Brian is describing the Core.

Of course, even though relationship is the "end", it doesn't mean "stopping point". More on that later. I pray you can live in the freedom of the Core.