If you follow Jesus these days that makes you… different.

In 1961, 96% of people in this country identified as Christian. Less than 1% said they had “no religion.” That number is now 25% of the population. “No religion” is now the second highest ‘religious’ category in Canada.*

Although 67% of people identified as Christian in the latest census, the actual number of people attending a church-related activity at least once a month was 23%. How many Canadians attend church services weekly? It’s hard to be sure, but I’ve heard guesses of between 5 and 10%.

We should also note that these statistics were from before the pandemic. The past two years have most likely pushed us a decade into the future, accelerating all of these trends.

I realize that we should take census data with a grain of salt. Just because someone marks ‘Christian’ on a census form that doesn’t mean they genuinely try to follow Jesus. 

But you can see the clear trend. If you follow Jesus, you are increasingly different.

My point is simply this. That’s okay. Why? Because it’s about faithfulness, not fitting in.

Jesus said: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

When I was small I had a t-shirt which said: “Why be normal?” Good point! 

If you feel different because of your faith. That’s okay. Join the club. 

It’s about faithfulness, not fitting in.

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Notes:

–Sermon. “Costly, whole-hearted devotion.” October 30, 2022. Click here.