"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." Luke 6:46-49 Stained Glass Cathedral of the Rockies
I came across the most recent American Religion Identification Survey (ARIS) conducted by Trinity College. The survey outlines shifts in denominational numbers and highlights an increase in those Americans that identify themselves as "Born-Again" [Born Again defined] or "Evangelical". Another category that increased was the listing of "None" in terms of religious identification. I want to state that I do not believe church affiliation or membership is the key to reconciliation with God. Jesus tells us:
... "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. " John 14:6
Rather, church is place of learning and a place of worship. Jesus set the example by teaching in the churches of his region.
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. Luke 4:14-15
And Jesus said of himself:
I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret."
With all of that said, I can't help but wonder if those who aligned themselves with the "None" category lack faith in Christ and a relationship with him. It's a sad thought that his love, joy & salvation could be missing from their lives. I had a friend that I lost to cancer. During the time of chemotherapy and her fight with the disease, she would tell me, "I can't image trying to go through this without God in my life. I can't fathom how they can go it a lone." She told me that she wasn't afraid to die, but that while she was here she would fight.
What box you would mark on the ARIS survey form is not important. What is important is you're relationship with Christ. Is he in your life? Do you rely on him as your savior? Is he your way, your truth your life? Is he your connection to God? Are you one of those people who as my friend described, are going it alone? It doesn't have to be that way, you can have that relationship with Christ, simply by asking him for it.
