A Church Without a Cross
The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
A Church Without a Cross
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Introduction
In Romans 12, Paul reminds the church that our lives are meant to be shaped not by culture or politics, but by Christ. The mind of the believer is to be continually renewed—not swayed by worldly ideologies or allegiances. This verse stands as a call to discernment, especially in times when the voice of the church is tempted to echo the powers of the age instead of the voice of God.
Reflection
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in The Cost of Discipleship, “Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession... grace without discipleship, grace without the cross.” Bonhoeffer lived in a time when many churches in Germany compromised their prophetic voice by aligning themselves with Adolf Hitler’s nationalistic and racist ideology. The German Christian movement redefined Christ to fit the political narrative of the day, even removing the Jewish roots of Jesus to accommodate Nazi ideology.
Bonhoeffer refused to go along. He helped form the Confessing Church—a remnant committed to Christ alone. He warned that when the church surrenders its moral clarity for political convenience, it ceases to be the church and becomes a mere instrument of the state. His decision to stand apart ultimately cost him his life, but preserved his soul—and his integrity as a follower of Christ.
Today, there are growing concerns that parts of the American church have begun to mirror the compromise seen in Bonhoeffer’s time—trading the cruciform message of the Gospel for a political platform. When Jesus is used to endorse power rather than to serve the least of these, the church drifts dangerously close to becoming what Bonhoeffer called “a church without a cross.”
Application
Discipleship requires discernment. As believers, we must examine not only the content of our faith but also the influences shaping our convictions. Are we being formed more by political rhetoric than by the Word of God? Do we excuse behavior in leaders we would condemn in others—just because it aligns with our interests?
To follow Jesus means we must be willing to speak truth to power, even when it's uncomfortable. We are called to allegiance to Christ, not to any party, nation, or personality. That may put us at odds with culture—or even with fellow Christians—but as Bonhoeffer showed, fidelity to Christ always comes first.
Conclusion
The church cannot afford to lose its prophetic voice. In every generation, we must decide whether we will stand with the crowd—or with Christ. May we remember Bonhoeffer's courage, and more importantly, remember the Savior who carried the cross so that we might follow Him—not with compromise, but with conviction.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, You have called us to follow You, not the powers of this world. Forgive us when we place our hope in leaders instead of in You, and when we silence Your truth to gain favor with the crowd. Give us discernment to recognize when compromise threatens the integrity of our witness. Strengthen our hearts to speak truth in love, to carry our cross daily, and to be faithful to You no matter the cost. In the name of the crucified and risen Christ, we pray. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
