Superficianity

"We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Hebrews 5:11-14

There is a growing trend in Christianity that I like to call "Superficianity." It is a blend of two words: superficial and Christianity. It basically is a word used to describe the "one liners" many Christians say that are supposed to be thought provoking, but only come across as having little substance or significance. Below, I have compiled a small list of actual statements made by Christians that fall under the category of being a superficial form of Christianity. Take note of how these statements lack any real explanation of what they are supposed to mean and that is the danger of them. When you allow for individual interpretation, these types of statements can mean just about anything depending on a persons knowledge, wisdom and emotional state.

"the Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil was nailed to the Tree of Life."

"What a fab weekend in Jesus. Grace is soaring like an eagle.All around. Full of love and life.What a POWERFUL GOSPEL the Grace Gospel. Independent of man or woman. Whatever your facing I am so excited to tell you Grace is the answer!!! Grace is in you for you and around you!! Fear not my Child says Father God." (sic)

"SOARING IN MOSTEST GRACE!" (sic)

"Of my vats will overflow with new wine, I better get me some bigger vats." (sic)

"Identify your mountain and speak to it, if you don't it's going to speak to you."

"Remember the tea kettle - though up to its neck in hot water, it continues to sing."

The author of Hebrews as well as the Apostle Paul spoke of their frustration with Christian immaturity. Paul said, "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready (1 Corinthians 3:12)." What is it that eats only milk and not solid food? It is a baby. I believe these statements made by Christians would fall into the category of of being made by babies in Christ; immature Christians who are easily influence by catch phrases and emotional statements. Mature Christians can discern the emptiness of these types of statements rather quickly. Because they are made without explanation, those who are moved by them will be forced to use their own logic to discern their meaning. The Bible is clear about doing such a thing. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)." When you rely on your own understanding, the standard of truth most often used is personal experience. This is not a solid foundation to rely on when it comes to spiritual matters.

The standard of truth we rely on is the Bible. Furthermore, the interpretation of the Bible is the sole responsibility of the Holy Spirit of God. "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14)." It is God who discerns truth for us. Therefore, when we are trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, we can ask Him if these type of statements are biblical and if they contain any value for us. If you have any knowledge of the things of God it is possible that you can make use of these statements. However, it is best to discard them in favor of knowing the truth of God's Word contained in the Bible. When you trust in the Bible and allow God to discern its meaning for you, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, you can then be encouraged by truth. Not only will the truth set you free, but it will also help you guard against being deceived by empty words meant to appeal to your flesh. Grace and Peace!