Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people. – Jude 1:3

Today's Scripture Reading (May 21, 2021): Jude 1

In his book, "Habits of the Heart," Robert Bellah and his colleagues describe what they think is the most common religious experience in North America. It is summed up by the testimony of a young nurse named Sheila Larson. "I believe in God. I'm not a religious fanatic. I can't remember the last time I went to church. My faith has carried me a long way. It is 'Sheilaism.' Just my own little voice." We have become an individualistic society, and we have remade our religion in our image. Religion is nothing more than what we think is right and what we believe is wrong. And the ultimate definition of faith is found inside of us and not in any outside force or belief.

The result is a very individualistic church. And one that is willing to believe almost anything. Our churches have become a mixture of Christian beliefs mixed with elements of the occult. Some Christians read their horoscopes. Many love some, but not all. Whatever it is that feels right now must be the place toward which the Spirit is leading us. But ultimately, it means that the idea of sacrifice for our faith is entirely absent. We no longer believe that we have to be uncomfortable with parts of our belief system. Everything is what we think is right.

Jude says that he had intended to write "about the salvation we share." But it is not shared because it is easy, but because we all came to salvation in the same way, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. There isn't one way for some and another way for others. A recent denominational communication asked a question; is there something that binds us together besides a health plan and maybe a similar standing on hot-topic issues? The letter bothered me because those are not the things that bind us together. If all we are is a community that takes a stand against abortion, gay marriage, and the role of women in the church, then we are no longer Christian, but something less. We are one as a denomination only because, as member churches, we are willing to say that Jesus is Lord! The presence of Jesus in our lives, and therefore in our churches, is what binds us together and what defines what is right and what is sin. The result is that I can stand in disagreement with Christian brothers and sisters because I know that Christ is in them. We are one in his shared love.

That was what Jude wanted to write about, but something changed his mind. Instead, he needed to write about our defense of the faith. Jude uses the word contend, but it carries the meaning of agonize for the faith. Stand up for the faith, even if it hurts you. Jude intends that we will be a community, standing together even through our hurts and differences, defending the cause of Christ because he is what matters; he is the one who transforms us into his Holy People.

There are many differences within the Christian community. But there is at least one thing that we share. And we will agonize, living sacrificial lives in defense of him.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 1 John 1