Luke 14:25-33
It is not easy nowadays to know what goes on within the religious conscience of individuals. Although we live in the same society and interact on a daily basis at home, at work and in social events, the fact remains that we rarely know what other people think about God, about faith and the last things. Each one has his own questions, doubts or searches that few people know about.
Still, most of us would agree on one common impression. Without knowing exactly how to put it, we all seem to have arrived at a new way of thinking, acting and living in ways that are not influenced by old Christian faith.
We might say that, little by little, we have grown accustomed to a culture that is ever less dependent on God. Christians, too, are getting used to this brand of indifference. It is no longer easy, in the present times, to live our Christian faith personally and responsibly.
Experts in these matters say that one of the most profound changes that is taking place in our times is the shifting from a society of beliefs to a society of opinions. Some decades ago, most individuals were moved by their faith that guided much of their life style, decisions and customs: faith influenced their lives profoundly. Nowadays, we tend to live guided by various opinions and choices: each individual has a religious opinion, which does not necessarily determine our life style, our moral obligations, much less become the principal basis for our behaviour.
The true Christian cannot live his faith just as an opinion: “that’s your opinion, but I think otherwise.” Believing in Jesus Christ is much more than having an opinion which is quite different from what others may think. Faith is of no use if it does not inspire us to a global sense in our lives, as well as to move and motivate the person.
Believing in Jesus Christ is not simply having an opinion about Him; it means that we are ready to follow Him. Following Him must be unconditional by trying to live as Jesus did. If we cannot do that, we can’t be called his disciples.
Still, most of us would agree on one common impression. Without knowing exactly how to put it, we all seem to have arrived at a new way of thinking, acting and living in ways that are not influenced by old Christian faith.
We might say that, little by little, we have grown accustomed to a culture that is ever less dependent on God. Christians, too, are getting used to this brand of indifference. It is no longer easy, in the present times, to live our Christian faith personally and responsibly.
Experts in these matters say that one of the most profound changes that is taking place in our times is the shifting from a society of beliefs to a society of opinions. Some decades ago, most individuals were moved by their faith that guided much of their life style, decisions and customs: faith influenced their lives profoundly. Nowadays, we tend to live guided by various opinions and choices: each individual has a religious opinion, which does not necessarily determine our life style, our moral obligations, much less become the principal basis for our behaviour.
The true Christian cannot live his faith just as an opinion: “that’s your opinion, but I think otherwise.” Believing in Jesus Christ is much more than having an opinion which is quite different from what others may think. Faith is of no use if it does not inspire us to a global sense in our lives, as well as to move and motivate the person.
Believing in Jesus Christ is not simply having an opinion about Him; it means that we are ready to follow Him. Following Him must be unconditional by trying to live as Jesus did. If we cannot do that, we can’t be called his disciples.
