Clark Kent Christianity
By J.B. Hixson, Ph.D.
04/04/2021
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-25)
His name is not really “Daniel,” but I will call him that for the purpose of this story. Daniel was a key part of our church in the early days of my ministry. If you were to look for him on Sundays and Wednesdays, you could always find him in church praising God and actively participating in church activities. He was a leader. I counted on him to handle a number of important ministry tasks. He was one of those super-Christians people talk about. Daniel's Christianity was very evident. At least it was on Sundays and Wednesdays, anyway.
It was not long before I discovered that during the week, when Daniel was away from church and away from his Christian friends, he was anything but super. In his everyday life, he chose to walk, not in the Spirit, but after the flesh. He pursued selfish passions and indulged in several worldly activities that certainly did not bring glory to Christ. Yet, each week when the doors to church opened, there was Daniel praising God and acting as if all was right in His fellowship with Christ.
Unfortunately, Daniel's story is not uncommon. It is what we might call the Clark Kent Christianity syndrome. Many people have the mistaken impression that Christianity is just something that takes place within the walls of the church building. During the week they are “Clark Kent” and then on Sundays they put on their “Superman” outfit to fulfill their Christian duties. Yet, unlike Clark Kent’s secret identity in the Superman franchise, Christianity is not a part-time endeavor.
Although it is true that eternal life is a free gift received only by faith, once we become Christians, there is a high calling on the believer’s life. We are to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ no matter the cost. Salvation is free; discipleship takes commitment and faithfulness. Nothing can separate us from the family of God once we have trusted in Jesus Christ and Him alone for eternal life. However, our joy and fellowship with the Savior are connected to our faithfulness in serving Him day by day.
The Apostle Paul repeatedly reminds us that as believers, life is about the daily pursuit of spiritual matters. We are to daily walk in the spirit and not after the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) We are to put on the new man and put off the old man, daily. (Ephesians 4:22-24) Whatever we do, whether it's work, play, or worship, we are to do it for the Lord consistently. (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31) Jesus Himself said that true discipleship involves a daily denying of our selfish desires. (Luke 9:23)
Eventually Daniel realized that he could not continue to keep up the charade. So, sadly, he boxed up his Superman outfit and chose to live as a backslidden believer. He quit coming to church. He gave up the pretense of spiritual interest. He left his wife. He moved out of state. And as far as I know he is still running from the Lord. The way of transgressors is hard (Proverbs 13:15), and although I know Daniel will be in heaven someday, his earthly life undoubtedly has been difficult.
Whatever we do, may we do it all for Christ. May His will permeate and take control of every aspect of our lives. Of course, we will not always be “super,” but may we at least recognize that Christian living is not a mask to be donned only in times of convenience. There is no such thing as Clark Kent Christianity.
04/04/2021
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-25)
His name is not really “Daniel,” but I will call him that for the purpose of this story. Daniel was a key part of our church in the early days of my ministry. If you were to look for him on Sundays and Wednesdays, you could always find him in church praising God and actively participating in church activities. He was a leader. I counted on him to handle a number of important ministry tasks. He was one of those super-Christians people talk about. Daniel's Christianity was very evident. At least it was on Sundays and Wednesdays, anyway.
It was not long before I discovered that during the week, when Daniel was away from church and away from his Christian friends, he was anything but super. In his everyday life, he chose to walk, not in the Spirit, but after the flesh. He pursued selfish passions and indulged in several worldly activities that certainly did not bring glory to Christ. Yet, each week when the doors to church opened, there was Daniel praising God and acting as if all was right in His fellowship with Christ.
Unfortunately, Daniel's story is not uncommon. It is what we might call the Clark Kent Christianity syndrome. Many people have the mistaken impression that Christianity is just something that takes place within the walls of the church building. During the week they are “Clark Kent” and then on Sundays they put on their “Superman” outfit to fulfill their Christian duties. Yet, unlike Clark Kent’s secret identity in the Superman franchise, Christianity is not a part-time endeavor.
Although it is true that eternal life is a free gift received only by faith, once we become Christians, there is a high calling on the believer’s life. We are to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ no matter the cost. Salvation is free; discipleship takes commitment and faithfulness. Nothing can separate us from the family of God once we have trusted in Jesus Christ and Him alone for eternal life. However, our joy and fellowship with the Savior are connected to our faithfulness in serving Him day by day.
The Apostle Paul repeatedly reminds us that as believers, life is about the daily pursuit of spiritual matters. We are to daily walk in the spirit and not after the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) We are to put on the new man and put off the old man, daily. (Ephesians 4:22-24) Whatever we do, whether it's work, play, or worship, we are to do it for the Lord consistently. (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31) Jesus Himself said that true discipleship involves a daily denying of our selfish desires. (Luke 9:23)
Eventually Daniel realized that he could not continue to keep up the charade. So, sadly, he boxed up his Superman outfit and chose to live as a backslidden believer. He quit coming to church. He gave up the pretense of spiritual interest. He left his wife. He moved out of state. And as far as I know he is still running from the Lord. The way of transgressors is hard (Proverbs 13:15), and although I know Daniel will be in heaven someday, his earthly life undoubtedly has been difficult.
Whatever we do, may we do it all for Christ. May His will permeate and take control of every aspect of our lives. Of course, we will not always be “super,” but may we at least recognize that Christian living is not a mask to be donned only in times of convenience. There is no such thing as Clark Kent Christianity.
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