Owing to some recent conversations with friends and fellow RA's at Liberty University, I thought I would place some of my thoughts in writing concerning the significant differences between systems and lifestyles. I started contemplating the topic when I heard about a program for losing weight. Someone mentioned that the program was not really a diet but a way of living. Thus, a lifestyle and not a system.
Nonetheless, the subject goes deeper than weight loss programs and developing healthy habits. I shall explain...
It has become easy in the culture of America to take a set of rules and conform one's life to it. This may be easily observed in the context of "American Christianity." Christianity in the United States has developed in such a way that rules, and burdens, have been placed on the individual upon conversion. Although such rules are not strictly biblical in nature, they are associated with cultural Christianity in America. Examples of this include the prohibition of dancing and all forms of alcohol.
Cultural Christianity in America is an example of the system overtaking the lifestyle. Many are fooled into thinking they are going to heaven as long as they stay away from beer and vote Republican. The system has created a fog that covers the ground of biblical Christianity.
Christians are not called to check off a list of do's and don'ts. After all, salvation is not by works, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Unlike all other religions in the world, Christianity teaches that man cannot be saved by checking off a list, but only through the grace of God. The Christian's life, therefore, is to reflect his relationship with Jesus Christ. Good works are practiced as a result of salvation, rather than for the purpose of salvation. It is this distinction that separates the concepts of a lifestyle and a system.
I plan on writing more on this subject in the future. Some things to ponder...
Can true love be created by rules/regulations?
Can a structured system bring different people together in true community?
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