“Christianity is just a crutch for people who don’t have the strength to make it on their own.”

Maybe you’ve heard that said. Maybe you’ve even said it yourself.

Here’s my short answer: No, and I should know. Christianity is nothing like a crutch. Not even close.

Knowing Crutches

I think I can safely say I know something about crutches.

I was born with an extra bone in each foot, and it’s caused no end of trouble. The photo shows my current collection: two sets of crutches (one pair stays in the car, just in case); two knee walkers (different models suited for different terrain); one cane; and my current orthopedic boot.

Not shown: the five or six casts I’ve worn, the three previous boots I’ve worn out and thrown away and the worn-down brakes on both knee walkers from the miles I’ve driven them. Also not shown are all the compression stockings, Ace bandages, ice packs and physical therapy equipment I use regularly.

This has been going on for pretty much all of the past five years, plus a large portion of the fifteen years preceding that.

There’s No Analogy There

I know a little bit about following Christ, too, after almost 42 years of experience. And what I know is that Christianity has virtually nothing in common with crutches; in fact it’s infinitely beyond compare.

Sure, life can be hard. Sometimes you need help making it through. But that’s far, far, far from the whole reason it’s good to be in a relationship with Christ.

Additionally, yes, we’re all destined to die in our sin without Christ, but that doesn’t make Him merely a crutch to keep us going.

I used to get that last point wrong. I used to say, “No, Christianity isn’t a crutch. It’s more like an iron lung: without it you can’t even live!” There’s a trace of truth in that: you definitely can’t live without Christ. But there’s an awful lot that’s wrong, too. Living in Christ is freeing, not confining; it’s joyful, not something to endure.

Not only that, but an iron lung is a medical device that keeps the living from dying. Christianity, in complete contrast, is a relationship that revives the spiritually dead to true life. An iron lung sustains a nearly-expiring life; Jesus Christ creates a brand new life.

So I’ll never use that analogy again.

Knowing Christ!

Following Jesus Christ, living in a personal relationship with Him, is a great life. It’s a life filled with strength: strength that flows inside and builds you up, while also supporting you from the outside.

What about crutches, though? Again, there’s no comparison. For all the hundreds of times I’ve picked up a pair of crutches, I’ve never once felt the same thing I do when I pray or read the Bible or worship with other Christians. With crutches I never feel, This is so good! This is so life-giving! This is so right and true! I’d be crazy to think that. But consistently that’s my experience when I encounter God through Jesus Christ.

The critic may retort, “You’re using your emotions to make a case for your religion, and that’s not valid.” No, this isn’t about arguing for Christianity, it’s about explaining something too many critics misunderstand: that following Jesus Christ, living in a personal relationship with Him, is a great life. It’s a life filled with strength: strength that flows inside and builds you up, while also supporting you from the outside. It’s filled with love.

I have never said, “Wow, I love to be on crutches!” But I have often said, “It is so good to able to sit down and pray right now!” I haven’t experienced prayer that way every time, but I’ve felt that kind of joy infinitely more with approaching God than I ever have with crutches. Again: there’s no comparison there. None.

It Isn’t Just About “Comfort,” Either

Here’s a related point you’ve probably also run across: “Faith is fine if you need that kind of comfort.” I’ll admit: I need comfort sometimes. You don’t go through repeated disabilities without needing it. This latest round has been especially hard. My wife will tell you I haven’t always connected with God to get the strength I need from Him.

But when I do draw close to God, what I experience is a lot more than mere comfort: “There, there, you’re going to be okay.” It’s much more like, “Stand tall, Tom! I’m pouring my power and love straight into your soul, so you can have strength and joy even if things aren’t ‘okay.’”

Not Just “Good When You Need It”

Here’s another difference. Crutches and the orthopedic boot never feel right, even there are times when they feel better than not using them. That’s when I know something’s wrong for sure. If using those aids feels good, it means I’ve got a problem and it needs relief. I would never use them when I’m healthy; they would feel obviously wrong and in the way.

Relating to God isn’t like that. God is good when I need Him most, no doubt about that. He’s good when I’m doing fine, too. I don’t appreciate Him just for rescuing me when I need relief from some problem. I can enjoy fellowship with Him at any time, and I do.

It’s About an Abundantly Full New Life

Anyone who says Christianity is just a crutch, or faith is mere comfort, either doesn’t know crutches or doesn’t know Christianity. There’s no comparison there.

In fact, I’m not sure what to compare it to. Think of it as the difference between the dead of winter and the new life of spring; or the joy of your favorite activity (swimming or canoeing for me) versus the dread of lying sick in the hospital. It’s that much better.

Following Jesus Christ isn’t about making it through. It’s about relishing the abundantly full new life He gives.

Originally published at Thinking Christian. Used by permission.