Let’s Get Serious

(3 Minute Read)

By Heidi Schartner

Dreaming of summer travel plans, I was browsing through our government website to see what the existing restrictions might be. I haven’t been on a plane in a long time and the idea of getting all ready to go and then not go would be really (reeeeaaaalllllyyyy) annoying.

Anyhow, I saw something new to me. Under one of the many subtitles was ‘Exemptions’. And below that was the wording ‘Serious Religious Exemption’.

Hmmm. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the phrase ‘serious religious exemption’ before. The idea was familiar…back in the First and Second World Wars some men offered to serve as medics or other forms of alternative service, instead of fighting with guns. But ‘serious religious exemption’ isn’t a common term now. It got me thinking, is this how the world needs to define those with faith? Those who kind of have it ,and those who are serious about it?

A higher standard

In essence, those making this statement are saying unless you’re serious about your faith, don’t bother us. Well, isn’t that just heartwarming. But there’s real truth here isn’t there? I wouldn’t want to be a patient of a doctor who didn’t take their studies seriously. I wouldn’t want to be flown by a pilot who wasn’t 100% committed to the job. 

It is fair for the world to hold Christians accountable; to hold us to a higher standard. But it is more important for us to hold ourselves to a higher standard. We are to be a light! What good is a light that is cast off course? What good is a light that shines the wrong way? We cannot afford to be seen by the world as anything less than taking our faith seriously. There is no middle ground. There are no lukewarm temperatures allowed. We have to be seen as taking our faith seriously. 

Serious is not perfect

The problem is that we tend to equate ‘seriously’ with ‘perfection’. So, here’s my confession. I’m not perfect. Not by a long shot. But, I know where my compass is pointed (God). I know what my foundation is (the Bible). I am also fully aware of my temptations (fill in numerous blanks). I am not perfect but I still take my faith seriously. How can that be possible? It is by recognizing my faults that I admit I’m a sinner in need of grace and forgiveness. 

Getting serious

Children are desperate to find True North for their life compass. It is imperative that we show them just how seriously we take our faith, and just how seriously we need the grace God pours on us. There is no need for an exemption simply because we have our salvation. This is the truth we must show. Perhaps we should change ‘serious religious exemption’ into ‘serious religious proclamation’. Good News really does deserve to be shouted from the rooftops. So, get ready to shout. Their salvation depends on it. 

A VERSE FOR YOU:

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (Luke 19:40)