Christianity is more than the Nicene Creed or a set of commonly held beliefs. Holiness is a lifestyle. In the time of the Apostles, when Christianity was just getting started, maybe even before the followers of Jesus we called Christians, they were known as those who followed the “Way”. This “Way” was written in a short document called the Didache.
It simply was not enough for those calling themselves Christian to acknowledge belief in Jesus. For those who came to believe and have an intimate encounter with Jesus, a change in lifestyle was expected. This change in lifestyle was obvious.
No longer were the followers of Jesus to look out only for themselves, to be concerned with their own welfare, or even to choose their own way of thought. They were expected to consider themselves servants of the Lord and of each other. No longer were they to compare themselves to others, be jealous of others’ success or goods. They were to be content with what they have and not be materialistic, expressing kindness to all.
No longer were they to be selfish, to be possessive, to have the most toys, and gather unreasonable wealth. They were to be charitable, share the gifts given to them and to consider others’ interests and not just their own. They were no longer to be addicted to any worldly thing whether it be food, prestige, or power. They were to practice temperance and self-control in all aspect of their lives.
No longer were they to treat others as possessions. No longer was sexual activity to be considered a right and demanded. Rather others were to be held in the highest regard, not merely as objects for our pleasure. Practicing self-control of sexual desire and activity was expected, both inside and outside of marriage. No longer was anger, resentment, and revenge to be tolerated, but the practice of patience, forgiveness, and love for enemies were lived.
No longer was despair, laziness, and negative thinking to be present. Rather, the new lifestyle called for diligence, doing productive work, and living in hope.
When we see the way people are living today, sometimes it is not obvious that one is Christian or not. In the history of faith, there were many times when people of faith gave up their lifestyle of holiness to become like the culture around them. While professing to be believers, their lifestyle said otherwise. Chapter One of the Didache states, “There are two ways: one of life and one of death; and the difference between the two ways is great.”
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
