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When the Christian faith becomes individualized (as a means of an occasional or light social identity) then the Christian faith loses traction in this world. John Stonestreet reports of a time when Chuck Colson announced that the number of Christians (self-professing) has remained steady, but the church no longer is holding sway over the social ebbs and flows of this fallen world. 

The church had no evidence of maintaining salt and light despite many professing "light bulbs and salt shakers."

The problem? It was the matter of a personal identity without a corresponding life change. As I preached last week, it is the difference between knowing God with your mind, and loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30)

I gave three ways we can love God with our mind - so that it keeps pace with loving God with soul, heart, and actions:

a.    Think God’s thoughts after him

Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

b.    Casting down false thoughts

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 

c.    Teaching, learning, and abiding

1 John 2:24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.

When the heart, soul, and mind are focused on loving God supremely, with a supreme type of love, the actions will follow. The problem that Stonestreet reports betrays a generation that embraced a non-supreme love of God - one that is more like an infatuation or casual interest. 

The Christian who is serious about his/her faith is a disciple, who is constantly being discipled, who makes fellow disciples as a life's mission. 

You can read the full article on the Breakpoint website by clicking --> here <--