(Here is the third installment of my series of comments on the article recently published by the Barna Group – “Six Megathemes Emerge from Barna Group Research in 2010″)

Step back for a minute, away from your focus on specific doctrinal issues, denominational problems (or non-denominational problems), and the angst you feel when someone doesn’t quite “get it” according to your understanding of Scripture.  In a much bigger view than maybe what you’re used to thinking about, can you see the shift in overall priorities Christianity is experiencing?  This brings us to Barna Group’s third point in their article:

Megatheme #3 – Growing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning pragmatic solutions for life.

Success in life is more important to many Christians today than the Biblical viewpoint that we are living for a greater cause and higher calling than the here and now.  Sacrifice is measured by convenience and comfort levels.  According to the article, “When asked what matters most, teenagers prioritize education, career development, friendships, and travel. Faith is significant to them, but it takes a back seat to life accomplishments and is not necessarily perceived to affect their ability to achieve their dreams. Among adults the areas of growing importance are lifestyle comfort, success, and personal achievements.”

In the past 15 years, we’ve seen a redefining of God’s will operating in our lives.  Instead of life working out to his glory regardless of the cost personally, we see a belief system predicated on the idea that God’s will is at work when our careers are going well, income is up, health is good and conflict is minimized.  Barna uses the word “compartmentalization” to describe what Christians are doing to their lives in a way to isolate faith from other areas.  Church and God are a “compartment” not to be mixed with work, politics, economics and relationships.

I believe our brand of Christianity in modern society would be so foreign to a first century Christian they would fail to recognize it as the work of Jesus Christ.  The Apostle Paul would certainly not be considered a “success” in today’s Christian circles.

(Philippians 3:8) “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,”

The “loss of all things” most like spells L-O-S-E-R to many who prioritize worldly success over heavenly riches.  May 2011 be the year that God’s people begin to see the spiritual battle for what it is and submit to wearing the armor with the discipline of a soldier.