The Rebel in Me

A few years ago I was involved in a church that actively reached out to find lost souls. There was no concern over the type of clothing they wore, or the size of the offering they gave. We didn't try to fill their lives with "don'ts." But instead, gave them plenty of "dos." We actively sought out hurting people, especially children and teens. We had faith that God would take care of the rest. I saw the same church shift its focus, and its core group of leaders drift apart. Now, years later, I have friends involved there again, helping to right the ship--providing lost souls with a bunch of "dos," when most people feel that Christianity is a long list of "don'ts."

I feel like this church is a type of the Christian church in America today. I believe that the Church as a whole will (with God's strength) be righted, as we shift our focus back to following Christ's footsteps. His footsteps invariably led him to places where the poor were gathered, where sick and dying people hung out. He went into the homes of tax collectors and gave aid to his country's enemies. He kept adultresses from being stoned and he befriended prostitutes. He fed the hungry and touched the untouchables (lepers). He attended parties and ruined funerals. He sought out the poor, and sent rich young rulers packing.

This week I checked out a book entitled The Irresistible Revolution, by Shane Claiborne. I recommend it very highly. The author raises many questions about the Church in America and the role of a true Christian. I have been kicking around many of these questions in my own mind. My questions include:

What does it mean to be "Christ-like?"

What is my proper role in the Church, in my family and at work?

What is the proper role of the Church in the community?

What is the role of the Church in politics?

As I've spent the past two days contemplating related scriptures I've had one thought consistently crop up: "That's too hard. Why would God make it that difficult?" But, I realize, God never said it would be easy. He said it would require sacrifice. Going to church every Sunday and occasionally helping out with some set-up or running a camera is easy. Giving sacrificially (Mark 12:44), putting God's kingdom at the top of my priority list (Matt 6:33), loving my enemies (Matthew 5:44), living the life of a Christ-follower in front of my co-workers , being vocal about my decision to follow Christ (Matthew 10:32), setting aside my desire to collect nice things, and placing myself and my family in God's hands are HARD.

I'll be the first to admit that I've felt uncomfortable discussing Christ in front of my employees. I've worried about posting my prayer/devotional journal on line--my family, neighbors and people I work with every day have the ability to look at my personal commitments to God. They also have the ability to see if I fail. Regardless, I've decided that it is time for me to "come out of the church closet." If my Christianity is only in evidence on Sunday, or just before a meal, then I'm not really following Christ. Last Sunday our pastor called it "being a fan." I am not a fan. I am a follower.

Now, what does it mean? It means I've got to pray, believe and act. I've got to "Seek first the kingdom of God," give sacrificially like the widow in Mark chapter 12, love God first (Matt 10:37), vocally acknowledge Christ as God's son, seek out the lost and love my neighbors and enemies alike. I know there's more, and a lot of it is going to be difficult. Some of it will cause trouble. In Matthew chapter 10 Christ said, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." He goes on to say that "...anyone that does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." In no way does he say that taking up our cross will be easy. In fact, I think that if we don't feel any discomfort while following Christ then we ought to look and see what it is that we've actually picked up. Make sure it isn't "chicken poop for the soul."

God, I continue to pray for your wisdom. Tonight I ask that you grant it to me in regards to how I am to follow you. Help me learn what it means to be a true Christ-follower. Help me teach it to my family, and help me exhibit it honestly in front of my peers. Thank you for the sacrificial gift that you gave. Now give me the strength to do likewise.

P.S. The phrase "Chicken poop for the soul" comes from the book I mentioned by Shane Claiborne.