I’m fascinated by Europe.

The continent was once the heartland of “Christendom,” a combination of countries that built themselves upon the Way of Jesus.

Theoretically at least.

Unfortunately, Christendom dropped the ball in many ways. In doing so, it gave way to the corruption that comes when too much power is put into the hands of flawed people….

…and modern Europe is feeling the fallout.

Idolatry Trauma

After centuries of religious oppression, Europe has moved away from Christendom with its number of Christians decreasing by the day. 

I can’t say I’m surprised.

The institutional Church that once dictated European life gave way to the idolatry of power, dogma, self-interest, and more. The result? A spiritually, physically, and emotionally suffering populous. 

This is what happens when a church forgets its first love. 

The Test

All this serves the point I’ve been making from the start…

The Church simply cannot function as the Church if agape love is neglected. 

What you’ll have instead is a lobotomized husk ready to be pulled around and manipulated by the powers that be.

In order to stand against idolatry and its poison, we must be self-aware, self-critical, and, above all, selfless. 

We must let love be the test and ask ourselves…

Do we wash feet? Or expect others to wash ours?

Do we turn the other cheek and walk the second mile? Or strike back and use our resources for revenge?

Do we exhibit the character of Christ? Or strongarm others into believing what we believe? 

There is no definitive checklist for agape. All we have is the person and witness of Christ Himself revealed through His Holy Word.

Thankfully He is, and always will be, enough.

And even in the face of our most grievous sins, Jesus will always be there, ready and willing to welcome us back. Such is the Way of agape love.

We’ll close out our series tomorrow.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter