Been There, Done That, Got The T-shirt.

I'm one of those people who always likes to have the proof that I was at a certain place at a certain time. I was there, I did it, I have the t-shirt to prove it. Lately, I prefer the mugs, magnets, and keychains over the t-shirts. The principle is the same though, I like the proof and souvenir of having been somewhere noteworthy. To prove my point; last weekend I attended the Deeper '10 conference in Covington, KY. I came home with the Wretchedradio.com hoodie, (that I've wanted since becoming a wretch) a Creation Museum keychain, mug, t-shirt and cookies and a mousepad for the family. Ok, I admit, I got carried away :/
These items were bought as a memory and testimony of that weekend, and this whole concept has been practiced by tourists for years, it's not new. What is new though, and I think a bit weird, is that stores have popularized "tourist" type shirts quite a bit lately. You can go to Walmart and buy a "Grand Canyon", "Bahamas", or "Alaskan Guided Tours" shirt, without ever going to the place. Many designer clothes also have the false impression of tourist clothing. I find it bizarre, just my opinion.

What does this have to do with doctrine? With God's Word? Well, to some it would mean very little, and in that case, bear with me. If you think quirky as I do, you should be at home reading this blog.

Well, the "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" idea has made it's way into the Christian circle. It seems to me, that you hear that Jesus loves you, respond with "Oh, I dig that, sure I'll believe it" and then go out and buy the shirt to testify of it.
Now, I'm not bashing Christian t-shirts (for the most part), as long as they are Christ magnifying, Christ glorifying, then I do not have an issue with them, in fact, they more often than not are a great conversation starter, a great ice-breaker for witnessing encounters.

The issue I have is the same as I have with "pretentious tourism" shirts sold at the stores. I see many, many people wearing the Christian shirts, testifying they are saved and yet, they haven't truly been down the road of salvation. They are just like the person who has never been to Alaska, wearing the "Alaskan Tour Guides" shirt.

I know, this sounds weird, picky, and condescending. I fear though for the people out there walking around with a false assurance of Salvation, and I fear for the people watching, seeing the shirt that testifies of their salvation, yet seeing no fruit of Godly repentance in the person's life, and then they themselves doubt in the reality of Christianity. Steven Curtis Chapman actually wrote a song on this topic years ago. It's titled "The Change" and talks of having the bumper sticker, fish emblem, t-shirt, etc.. and yet, not having a life that is changed.

We are warned in Scripture of both the false teachers that will come in and deceive many, leading them astray, and also of those people walking about with false conversions and because of it, false hope. In Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus speaks of the weeds and the wheat, both growing together in the same field, both being harvested on the same day, yet both with different endings; The wheat going to the storehouse, and the weeds being thrown in unquenchable fire. Though yes, we will be able to see wheat from weeds, at times we won't. I know I've seen some absolutely beautiful weeds in my day, weeds easily mistaken for flowers, or good seed. Yet, Christ will separate that seed and make the good to shine like the sun and the bad will be cast in the fire. (Matthew 13:37-42)

Sadly there is good seed that sprouts and appears to be doing fine, yet when trouble comes, when weeds start to choke it out, it succumbs and dies for it was not firmly rooted in good soil. (Matthew 13:18-23)

Jesus denounces the religious hypocrites, going around parading to be children of God (wearing the t-shirt), yet inside they are just as unchanged as when they were born, and they're making converts twice as fit for Hell as they are themselves. (They got the T-shirt, but were never there, and never repented)

Matthew 7:13-23 has Jesus telling us that the gate to Heaven is narrow and few find it, they instead travel on the wide path leading to Hell. He warns us boldly "Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravaging wolves, you'll recognize them by their fruit...Every good tree produces good fruit, but every bad tree produces bad fruit." And then: "On that day many will say to Me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?' And I will announce to them, 'I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers.'" (2 Corthians 11:14-15 : "And no wonder! For Satan himself is disguised as an angel of light. So it is no great thing if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their destiny will be according to their works."

It's so easy for us Christians, to see a fish on a car and get excited, to hear someone say they go to such and such a church, and then be all ears, hoping to talk to them of our shared faith. And the T-SHIRT! Well, that just clinches it, they must be a REAL Christian if they went and got the T-shirt.
We must be careful, we must be discerning, cunning as serpents, yet gentle as doves. We must be fruit inspectors. Not so we can ridicule and condemn the person who claims salvation and has never truly repented. But so we can share the TRUE Gospel message with them, tell them we are concerned for their soul. I'd rather share the Gospel twice with a false covert than to assume they're saved and leave them in their blind state. And the absolute most important reason for being discerning and proclaiming the Truth is for the Gospel's sake. We must defend Scripture, by preaching Scripture. Dividing it rightly, that the man of God may be adequate, ready for every good work in Christ. We must not let our Lord's Word be assaulted by being represented and preached wrongly.

Larry McCall says, "you are the only Bible some people will ever read." That's sad. But we as Christian are to live rightly, we bear Christ's name, not because we thought the name was cool and wanted it for ourselves; but because Christ has saved us, called us His own, Imputed us with His Righteousness. Now be ye holy for He is holy. By His grace we will be able to live a life worthy of His Gospel (Philippians 1:27)

Wield your swords, use them, pierce the world's views, the culture's views, the false teacher's false messages. Preach the Word of God in season and out of season, be ready at all times to give an answer for the joy that is in you. Wear those t-shirts, testify that you're saved now by God's grace, but make sure you went to the Cross and repented of your sins, before donning the shirt that states such. May you always examine your faith with fear and trembling. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)