Functional atheism.

A phrase used to describe a malady that's plaguing the modern church. In days gone by it used to be called "carnality", but it seems that term has lost it's meaning. Probably because of mis or dis use of the word. So, we have a new non-PC phrase that's probably going to make more than a few people in the church angry or at least uncomfortable. Actually, now that I think about it, probably not, because those who would be offended are probably not sitting in the pews anyway.

"So what is Functional atheism?", you ask.  It's the condition whereby a believer in Jesus Christ, lives like he or she doesn't believe in Jesus Christ. Functionally, they live like the rest of the atheistic society in which they dwell. 

A slight variation, although closely related, are folks known as "closet Christians".

So while they say they are "Christian", their actions don't necessarily reflect that truth.

People who live in this fashion find that relationships between husband and wife, parents and children, fellow employees and ultimately their relationship with God, are influenced more by Oprah, Dr. Phil, Better Homes and Garden, and the TV guide than the Word of God.

Their finances also reflect their misplaced loyalties as their spending is directed primarily towards feeding their "needs and wants" as opposed to going to agendas that the Lord Jesus would be actively involved in.  Things like healing the sick, comforting the down trodden and homeless, spreading the Gospel, ministering to the poor, and things like that.

What's really sad about this whole situation is that they are missing out on the "abundant life" that Jesus spoke of in John 10:10.

Those who are caught in this deception turn to God to fulfill their desires, or when they are in distress, only to be disappointed.  It's not that God doesn't hear their prayers, or is angry with them, or doesn't want to make good on the promises He spoke of in His Word, but He has a better life in mind for them.

I speak from painful experience.  After walking with God for many years, I turned my back on Him, shook my fist at Him and walked away.  My life came unraveled, but I was too focused on myself to even notice.  

However, God was not done with me.  Even though I'd shaken my fist at Him (pitiful, now that I reflect on it), He pursued me with a passion. He never stopped loving me, even though I'd chosen to walk away.

Patiently He waited, and brought people into my life that caused me to turn back to Him, in humility and surrender.

God desires for us, something that is so much better than we can imagine.  However, we have to be willing to trust him in every aspect of our lives.  That means completely surrendering every area of our lives, and be willing to be changed.  That's the essence of faith.  Without faith it is impossible to please God.

Jesus said "If you abide in my Word, you will know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" John 8:31-32

The opposite of "Functional Atheism" is "Joyful Abiding".  To abide means to dwell.  It means to take up residence. 

The Bible says that the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside us when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Jesus said to abide in His Word.  So, there's a dualality at play.  God dwells in us, and we dwell in His Word. 

We have to live there in His Word.  We take in the Word of God (that means read it), and let it control our decision making processes instead of our own "fleshly desires".

As we do that we will discover the desires of our heart changing and as they do, God will grant us the desires of our heart, just as He promised in His Word.

Happy abiding!