DIFFERENT
Our witness and the sins that work against it
By David Martin
10 Publishing. 75 pages. £4.99
ISBN 978 1 912 373 604
The title says it all – followers of Christ are called to be different. To my shame, however, I was not all that excited about the prospect of this book. I know I need to be different. I think I know the ways in which I need to be different. I try to be different. Do I need to be reminded once again to be different, and what difference will that make?
Praise God, this short book by David Martin did make a difference, because the book itself is so different. Martin helps us to see specific ways that UK Christians have taken on the values of our culture so that we are no longer distinctive. He argues that these work against our witness to the world. Four particular sins are highlighted – one for each chapter of the book: Materialism, with an emphasis on the desire to frequently up and leave our churches for caravanning holidays! Careerism, and the idol of work. Sentimentalism, highlighting an identity crisis specifically amongst the older generation, resulting in a lack of courageous wisdom being passed on to younger Christians. Finally, Nationalism and the failure to love and reach out to UK citizens who originate from different countries. Each chapter clearly explains the issue, but then provides a balanced argument that exposes our hearts.
Gospel perspective
Having encouraged us to search our motives, each chapter then takes us to a gospel perspective on life, highlighting our need to see the faithfulness and Lordship of Christ, and the eternal hope that awaits us. As these truths are applied, we can’t help but be challenged to repent and seek to live as people who are different, and give credit to the gospel we proclaim.
There are two main reasons that the book will be a helpful challenge to anyone who reads it. The first is its relevance. While the problems tackled in the book are not exhaustive and will not be prevalent in every single church, they are sins that we are particularly blind to today. What is normal in society seeps into the church, meaning we not only fail to be different, but are also happy to keep going with the flow. We are so comfortable we don’t even realise there is a problem!
The second helpful challenge is the book’s emphasis on church. In essence this book is a rebuke to our individualism. Though the four chapters are separate, the common thread between materialism, careerism, sentimentalism and nationalism is the belief that I am my own master. In a subtle way the book is constantly showing us how an individual mindset not only causes me to fail to be different from society, but also means I fail to serve the local church. The problem with that is my love for my brothers and sister in Christ is what will show a watching world that we are disciples of Jesus.
Our churches will benefit enormously from David Martin’s insights, but change is often slow.
