Early last month, the federal government proclaimed that traces of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico have all but disappeared. That is, about 75 percent of the oil spill has been cleaned up or broken down by natural forces. All the fears about the negative effects of the spill were considered unfounded.
Then, a week ago scientists discovered a two-inch thick layer of oil about a mile beneath the surface. Under this layer of oil were dead shrimp and other small animals. It seems that the oil did not disappear after all. It just sank. And there still may remain a negative impact to the environment. Though not immediately perceptible, the threat remains and may even have longer-lasting implications. It is said that “one problem with oil at the sea floor is that it will take longer to degrade because of cold temperatures in the deep.”
Though there are those who dispute the conclusions about the recent discovery, the incident does call attention to an important principle: we must “go deep” if we are to achieve significant changes for the better.
Sadly, this characterizes the kind of Christianity that many people know. It’s the kind that does not go deep enough to touch the core of a person. It is not true Christianity, but what I would call “cosmetic Christianity.” Everything looks good, but only in the surface. Then, when the crises of life impinge on one with this type of Christianity the surface facade falls apart. And the name of Christ is dishonored.
True Christianity goes deep. The gospel goes way beyond merely mimicking certain behaviors or conforming to a code of conduct. Christ’s concern is the renovation of the human heart. God is not satisfied with the mere appearance of righteousness; he desires a righteousness that is the fruit of a transformed character. A genuine follower of Christ does what he does because of what he has become. Christ not only wipes off the surface dirt of sinful acts but also goes deep and removes the Sin-attitude that enslaves the human heart.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4.22–24 TNIV).
—Keith Y. Jainga