![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b3c014_6f1f838c91c549a8bbbcda824f5b6cd6~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_372,h_400,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/b3c014_6f1f838c91c549a8bbbcda824f5b6cd6~mv2.jpeg)
Growing up, I couldn't help but notice that most of the items in our house were labeled, "Made in China." I thought, "This is so bizarre. Why am I in America, but almost everything we have is made in China?" It turns out, because of its large workforce along with low labor costs, China is known as the world's factory. It's so interesting that there are many countries that produce products, yet China seems to be leading them all.
The interesting thing about most products being made in China is that it means most of the world has agreed that China produces durable and reliable products. If China were to produce something we couldn't depend on, we would simply throw it away and make sure not to consume things by them anymore.
What I've realized is that a similar principle applies to our Christianity. Being raised in America, we have adopted our own version of the Bible called 'prosperity gospel'. This version of Jesus allows us to continue to do what we want and still expect the blessings of God to rain down on our own, man-made desires.
The reality is that most of the world has also inherited a Western version of the gospel that doesn't produce the same Followers of Jesus that we see in the Bible. Because of this reality, "Christians" made in America are unfortunately known for their prosperity messages and "Have-it-your-way Gospel" that doesn't actually lead to life change or an increase in spiritual maturity. The standard is so low that even gay men have gained confidence to take the pulpit. Unfortunately, one could make the argument that God probably has American made Christians on a recall order from heaven.
Despite what our culture says or accepts, the true standard for what it takes to be a Follower of Christ can be found in the Bible itself. Jesus Himself says that the decision to follow Him should be carefully thought out.
"27 Whoever does not persevere and carry his own cross and come after (follow) Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, wishing to build a farm building, does not first sit down and calculate the cost [to see] whether he has sufficient means to finish it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid the foundation and is unable to complete [the building], all who see it will begin to mock and jeer at him, 30 Saying, This man began to build and was not able (worth enough) to finish." - Luke 14:27 AMPC
If we have been led to believe that the decision to come to Christ is easy and doesn't require anything, then we have accepted a Western, diluted version of the Gospel.
"21 For even to this were you called [it is inseparable from your vocation]. For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you [His personal] example, so that you should follow in His footsteps. 22 He was guilty of no sin, neither was deceit (guile) ever found on His lips. 23 When He was reviled and insulted, He did not revile or offer insult in return; [when] He was abused and suffered, He made no threats [of vengeance]; but he trusted [Himself and everything] to Him Who judges fairly." - 1 Peter 2:21-23 AMPC
The Great Commission is for everyone to go and make disciples. This doesn't mean that someone can simply slap God on top of their mediocre life, but rather that they must abandon their life in order to receive true life that lasts for eternity.
"16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed and made appointment with them. 17 And when they saw Him, they fell down and worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be)." - Matthew 28:16-20 AMPC
We must understand what a disciple is in order to actually make one. Without living up to the standard that Jesus sets, we aren't making disciples. We are actually making pharisee wannabes.
"37 He who loves [and takes more pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me;" - Matthew 10:37 AMPC
"34 And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and [joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me]." - Mark 8:34 AMPC
"23 And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also]." - Luke 9:23 AMPC
"26 If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me [to cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying] and wherever I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." - John 12:26 AMPC
The verses above are written from some of the oringinal discples that followed Jesus. They understood what it took to be a Follower of Christ (Christian) because they dropped everything and everyone in their life to follow Him. This is the reality of what God expects and without this devotion and commitment we are only fooling ourselves and wasting time.
"15-17 “I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless." - Revelation 3:15-17 MSG
Unfortunately, we see the world turning further and further from God each day. Yet, most countries don't seem to have a problem with our new version of the Gospel and weekly routine gatherings.
"17 I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (the teaching) which you have been taught. [I warn you to turn aside from them, to] avoid them." - Romans 16:17 AMPC
The reality is that this is the message of Jesus and anyone who opposes this message is an enemy of God Himself. We must understand that if we stand with enemies of God, we to become His enemy as well and our prayers will most likely continue to be ignored.
"4 You [are like] unfaithful wives [having illicit love affairs with the world and breaking your marriage vow to God]! Do you not know that being the world’s friend is being God’s enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose that the Scripture is speaking to no purpose that says, The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit [to be welcome] with a jealous love?" - James 4:4-5 AMPC
Question of the Day: If the Western made Christians are being recalled from heaven for their lack of devotion and commitment, would you receive a call?