The presupposition behind this statement is that Christians are a bunch of weak people who need some 'outside help' in order to make it through life. This, in fact, is actually quite true. However, let's unpack this argument a little further and see if the label 'weak' can only be applied to Christians. Firstly, what is a crutch for? A crutch is for those who have some form of disablement in their leg(s) - a broken leg, a twisted ankle, a weak knee. A healthy person doesn't need a crutch - he/she can walk freely, run without hindrance, kick a football without pain - his or her legs are in perfect, healthy condition. Therefore, according to the argument, Christians alone seem to have something inherently wrong with them in that they need a crutch, whereas non-Christians have nothing wrong whatsoever and so have no need of any such device. This reasoning neither passes the biblical test, nor the logical one. The Bible clearly states that man (and I am using 'man' in the generic sense) suffers from an incurable disease called 'sin'. This disease permeates every human being - from the humblest child to the wisest sage - none are exempt from its power. It is this crippling disease that ensures that each child is born with a 'limp' - an utter inability to ever live a perfect life free from sin, from error, from pain. It is this disease that is the anthropological leveler: "There is no difference, for all have sinned..." (Rom.3:23-24). Every person is born with this same handicap. Well, what are the syptoms of this disease? Hatred, jealousy, lust, envy, gossip, slander, bitterness, unforgiveness, foul language, lying, cheating, stealing, adultery, murder. Not one person can claim that they are completely void of any of these symptoms. We all carry the same disease.
'But that's only what the Bible claims', I hear some say. Well, human experience alone testifies unequivocally to the fact that something is seriously wrong with the human race. One cannot go through a single day, let alone a lifetime, without feeling some of the other symptoms of this crippling disease: pain, hearache (and heartbreak), sorrow, suffering, tears, fear, worry, regret, loneliness, despair, hopelessness, meaninglessness, lostness. There's not a person on the planet who doesn't experience these things on a daily basis - it is simply part of the human experience. This is our 'limp'. This pervasive disease called 'sin' is what keeps us from being all that we were originally created to be.
Now the question is not 'who needs a crutch?' - for it is quite obvious that we all need one - rather, the question is 'who is honest enough to admit that he/she needs one?' The plain fact is that we all have our 'crutches' - for some it is alcohol; for others cigarettes; for others hard-core drugs; for some, sex; for many, work; for others, relationships; for some, internet; for others, psycologists. The fact is that, in our darkest hour, we all have to admit that we need someone or something to lean on. Now, the problem with all of these man-made crutches is that, sooner or later, they break. There is only one 'crutch' that will never break, and that's Jesus Christ - the 'Alpha and Omega', the 'First and the Last', the one who alone is 'the same yesterday, today and forever'. He alone is dependable, He alone is trustworthy, He alone will never leave us or forsake us. He alone is the 'Saviour of all people', for He alone has provided a cure for the sin disease. He is the only one who can save us from this aweful predicament. In Him alone is there hope, peace, joy, meaning and purpose for a frail and weak humanity. He is the one who heals the broken-hearted, sets prisoners free, gives sight to the blind, and comforts those who mourn.
Yes, indeed, Christ is a crutch for the weak - for all who would humbly come and receive His free gift of grace.
So, now, the only separation between those of the human race is those who choose to receive and use the Crutch and those who stubbornly refuse to do so. However, what man in his right mind would refuse medicine when he is sick; deny himself a cure when one is readily available; push away the hand that reaches out to save him from drowning? Now that defies reason! So, perhaps that leaves us with only two categories of people in this world - those who are wise and those who are fools. Perhaps we can conclude that Christians, then, are the wise ones.
by Peter Malins
"God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on him." Hudson Taylor
"Christianity is only a crutch for weak people"
"Why I choose Christ?"
