Two weeks ago, I accompanied my brother to Pennsylvania to tour the unique Amish culture of North America. The Amish are communities of traditionalist Christians. They live in the most advanced country in the world, but enjoyed a simple and distinct seventeenth century lifestyle. They are not dying out but continue to grow in numbers. In fact, their population doubled in the last two decades, and they have been a hot local attraction drawing thousands of visitors nationwide each year. This is an unintended fame for humble Amish people, much like the 1985 movie that based its plot with an Amish background, they are pushed unto a “witness” stand, witnessing their old yet vibrant faith in God.
The Amish faith based their theology on the fringe of the spectrum of seventeenth century European Christianity, and they freeze it and refuse any renewal. It is not their archaic doctrines but their dedication to their faith amazes the world. We all agree that their interpretation of the Bible is rigid and with bias. For example, they overemphasize the outward separation between church and world, and entirely ignored the Great Commission. They focus on their own communities and families. For the world, they want nothing from it and share nothing with it, including the gospel. If we think we know God better than they do, then we need to be reminded that greater knowledge comes with greater responsibility, as Jesus said, And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. (Lk. 12:47-48 ESV) If an Amish would be judged for not sharing the gospel, we would be judged more severely for the same offense.
You would be mistaken for an Amish, if you wear the same attire and ride the same buggy. A true Amish, however, would do much more. They would shun away from electricity and modern power tools, and till the land with manual labor. They rise with the sun and rest with the moon. Many people share their yearning for a simple life of such a poetic idyll, but most of them are hypocritical. The difficulty of living an Amish life lies not on its high demand, rather, on its low demand, too low that most people would not willing to make the commitment. Amish life is a life of commitment in faith. All who want to live a life of faith must make the same commitment, a commitment of self-denial. As Jesus told his followers, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Lk. 9:23 ESV) Let’s ask ourselves this question, which is harder, and which is more desirable, to live a life like Amish? Or to live a life like a true Christian?
God gives to each one his own share of light and guidance, and we all live according to what we received. If I received the light as an Amish, I will live joyfully as an Amish; If I received from God more than an Amish, I will live with a greater joy and live out the God I believed in. For such a man who faithfully and wholeheartedly trusts God, you may not be able to recognize him right away as you would an Amish, but surely his life would overflow purity, beauty, and joy and set him apart from this world. The more people look at him, the more they would be amazed at him, and the more they would want to share his life, which is Christ.
Prayer: O Lord! Thank you for separating us apart from this world for Yourself. Grant us greater faith that we may daily live a holy life and be a witness to Your glory!
