Christaholic Or Disciple

Calvin Miller, in an article entitled The Taste of Joy, wrote the following, "Many Christians are only ‘Christaholics’ and not disciples at all. Disciples are cross-bearers; they seek Christ. Christaholics seek happiness. Disciples dare to discipline themselves, and the demands they place on themselves leave them enjoying the happiness of their growth. Christaholics are escapists looking for a shortcut to nirvana. Like drug addicts, they are trying to ‘bomb out’ of their depressing world." One does not need to know much about the "Christian community" to realize that Miller’s statement has some validity. In some "churches," the major difference between what goes on at what they call worship and a Las Vegas extravaganza is the costumes. In both, the audience is applauding and cheering. In both, someone on stage is entertaining the audience. In both, bands are blaring out "head banging" music. Why are churches turning to such antics? It may be they find that by doing so, they can attract the Christaholics. They cloak these extravaganzas under such names as "seeker services" or "progressive worship."

The true disciple of Christ seeks Christ’s authority for all that he does. Paul wrote, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17 NKJV). The true disciple realizes that worship is vertical, not horizontal. It must be directed to God and He alone is the audience. Jesus said, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24 NKJV). The true disciple realizes that being a Christaholic is pointless and profitless. On the other hand, he realizes that obedience is essential to entering heaven. Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" (Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV).

How would you define your relationship with Christ? Are you a disciple or a Christaholic? If your church gave up these extravaganzas and returned to the New Testament pattern for worship, would you leave or stay? Miller went on to say in his article, "Christ is not a happiness capsule; he is the way to the Father" What do you look for in a church? Is it one that entertain you or one that pleases God? Your answer reveals what you are.