The American Church is Not OKAY! Part II by John Avant

One clear sign that the American church is not OK is that we don’t seem to have a biblical understanding of what it means to be OKAY.  

“Lord, I'm just grateful that I got to wake up today

You take my worries and hurries and fade 'em to grey

You have good plans for me, that's what You say

That's how I know everything is gonna be …

Okay”

Forrest Frank’s song is a big hit. These are great lyrics. It’s not his fault that the average American believer has no idea of what the Kingdom definition of “OKAY” really is.   

For most, it seems to mean that we feel better. We are physically healed, less anxious,  happy, and our needs are met.  

If you don’t believe me, ask someone why they joined their current church.  Usually their answer will begin with, “I like…..”. 

In America, we are captivated by the idea that what is best for us is what we like. 

We believe God is most concerned with our individual needs. 

Now don’t misunderstand me.  God does care about our needs. He tells us to bring them to Jesus and cast them upon him.

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”  I Peter 5:7

That’s pretty clear. 

But why does He want us to do that?

So that we have a nice pleasant life? 

No!

The Gospel is ultimately about a King and the mission of His Kingdom. 

Everything in our lives is meant to point to Him and His kingdom!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” ‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭

To be okay does not mean you feel better or like your life more. It means that you are focused first on His kingdom!

If you are on mission with King Jesus, you are OKAY no matter how you feel!

The ancient church certainly understood this. Their biggest concern was often whether they were ready to die well for Jesus! 

For example, Ignatius of Antioch was fed to the lions approximately seventy years after Jesus rose from the dead. He was taken on a long journey in chains to his execution. Along the way he preached to those passing by. He asked them not to intervene or rescue him. His only concern was bearing witness for Jesus and advancing His kingdom.

If Ignatius could do that, he was okay.

“My desires are crucified, the warmth of my body is gone. A stream flows whispering inside me: Deep within me it says, Come to the Father. Near to the sword, I am near to God. In the company of wild beasts, I am in company with God. Only let all that happens be in the name of Jesus Christ, so that we may suffer with him. I can endure all things if he enables me. I am God’s wheat. May I be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts until I become the fine white bread that belongs to Christ.”  Ignatius of Antioch

For me, that is one of the most beautiful and challenging things I have ever read in my life. 

I want that heart. I want that passion. I want to love Jesus that much.  

But the truth is most of the time I love ME more. 

This is where the American church needs revival. 

This is where I need revival.

Very recently, a friend of mine was in a country where it is dangerous to be a follower of Jesus. He was able to meet a man whose face was beaten in. His entire body was covered in scars.  My friend asked  him a deeply personal question: “When you look in the mirror and see all these scars what do you think?”

The man smiled and said, “I think ‘How faithful is our God!’”

To have this mind set no matter our circumstances or our feelings is to be Okay!

On the following Mondays,  I will write about how we might take that journey together as followers of Jesus and as the church in this nation. 

It is a journey to, with, and for our faithful God.   

Perhaps you  will join me on that journey?