In other words, to be a Christian is to follow Jesus' teachings not only by studying scripture, but also by living out that faith (this is a really short explanation). Simply believing Jesus died for the sins of man and actually walked this earth isn't enough. Even the demons believe those things. (Acts 19:15) It's similar to when someone calls themselves "Christian," the act of saying doesn't mean you are. Other terms someone might use instead of Christian is to be Christ-like or a follower of Christ.
Now to be a "Corny Christian" is contrary to what Jesus taught and did. Corny Christians are people who probably reads their bible everyday, someone who is always polite no matter the circumstances (pushover), and someone who never seems to have any problems/troubles in life (clean hands).
Well how is that different than what Jesus did? Yes, Jesus knew scripture by heart (it was common practice for the Jewish culture). Yes, Jesus was kind to many people, and yes, Jesus never sinned.
First off lets look at scripture Matthew 4.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Jesus not only knew scripture, but he studied it even at a really young age, (Luke 2). Something else that is really crucial to notice is that the Devil also knows scripture which he tried to use against Jesus. This is why it is extremely important to not just read the bible only to check it off your to do list for the day. Satan tried to tempt Jesus, who knew scripture by heart, what about a typical American who doesn't study scripture, that's like you are given Satan permission to mess with you head. People need to study scripture to understand God's story. The more you study His story the more you will understand His mission, which isn't about being a "Perfect Christian."
Jesus. What images comes to mind when you think of this name? Is it a picture of a handsome caucasian man with a beard, blue eyes surrounded by children and sheep? Or maybe a man who hangs on a cross till he bleeds out? There are probably many things that people think of when they hear that name. For me, I think of a Jewish carpenter (Mark 6:3). Someone who wasn't beautiful (Isaiah 53:2b). Someone who wasn't afraid to speak truth, and let's be honest, the truth can sometimes stings (John 4) Someone who didn't hide his emotions (John 11). Someone who was physically strong, (I don't know many people who could be beaten and whipped then partially carry a cross beam which they were about to be nailed to.) When you study scripture you start to get the picture of who Jesus really was and it's pathetic how Americanized people now portray Jesus (a beautiful fun loving polite push over). Makes me want to go flip over some tables and speak hard truth to those who have have try to skew his Word. ( Matthew 21:12-13)
Jesus was not a pushover, he was a Warrior, a true definition of what a Man is suppose to be like.I do want to make it clear that Jesus was always appropriate with his audience. To those who needed help, he helped, to those who were "perfect by law" (I.E. Pharisee's) he spoke truth to, to those who needed comfort, he comforted.
The third thing is, "Perfect Christians" always seem to be problem free. Nothing ever seems to be wrong. Honestly, what kind of lie is that? I have met countless "Christians" who never seem to have anything wrong in life. Marriage is great, kids are awesome, job is doing well and on and on. Struggles seem to be non-existent and these Corny Christians always seem to have the answer of "God's is in control." News flash, God's only in control if you let Him be, he has given us that choice.
In order for God to have control of our lives, we need to have a trusting relationship with him. A lot of God's story deals with His constant pursuit of man. Truly, I would much rather have the God of this universe plan out my life than myself (he has awesome imagination). God wants to have a relationship with everyone, but in order to have a relationship there needs to be communication on both ends. God does speak to us, but that means we need to listen and we also need to speak to God so he can hear our cries. I promise you God is a much better listener than you or any of your friends. When we claim to have no struggles or pains, we only fool ourselves. So how does a perfect man, Jesus, fit into the scenario of struggles? Well before Jesus put all the sins of man on his shoulders, he had a lot of time to process and pray. Jesus, who did not sin, still had struggles and he brought it to God. (Luke 22:39-44) Just to let you know that sweating blood is an actual medical condition of someone who is put under a large amount of stress (I'm sorry but Finals in college don't match up to this).
These are only brief descriptions of why being a "Corny Christian" is unbiblical. Sure the Pharisees were "Justified Jews" at that time but Jesus put them straight so there wouldn't be any confusion. So when we don't study the scripture, stand up for what is truth, and don't share our problems with the appropriate audience. The devil laughs at another soul wasting away.
There is hope, God wants to meet us where each of us are individually. Weather it's someone who has followed Christ all his life, or a someone who is selling their body for drugs or other pleasures. We all fall short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23).
