I'm a runner.
I like to go running.
If I can, I'll choose trail running over parks or the street. The more beautiful the scenery is, the better.
So when I go running, at some point I get so exhausted that I need to stop. Most non-super humans have this limit that says "WARNING! High chance of vomiting beyond this point!" So from then, I walk, until I can muster the energy to continue running at a decent pace.
I tend to see quite a lot of people on my favorite trail, since it's a hot spot for a plethora of walkers and runners in the area. And for some reason, whenever I'm walking from exhaustion and spot a fellow exerciser coming my way, I have the urge to appear to be a runner. By that I mean, I need to either start running again before they notice my existence, or put my hands on my hips/above my head and pretend I just stopped running to catch my breath instead of 3 minutes before.
Half the time, there's no need to pretend, as I legitimately need to catch my breath before I pass out. The other half, well… I'm sure you understand where I'm getting at.
People all over the world pretend to be more of something they are, or just pretend to be something they're not, for a multitude of reasons. These can include insecurity, first impressions, self satisfaction, seeking affirmation of others, etc.
What about when people pretend to be Christian, or more Christian?
Psychologically, it's not a big deal for me to appear to be more of a runner than I really am. Running has nothing to do with my soul or existence. It's simply a hobby.
Yet there are people out there who constantly worry about how Christian they look. They go to church to be spotted by their neighbors, instead of going to hear the word of God. They volunteer for the same reason, instead of serving their community. They put big bills in the offering basket to impress those near them, instead of giving what already belongs to God. They refrain from cussing around their Christian friends, and have a sailors mouth when no one is around, instead of purging themselves from a corrupting mindset.
Here's the irony: Appearing to look more Christian, makes you lukewarm, which is the worst kind of Christian. Not caring about how you look, and focusing on loving and serving God, makes you His child and disciple.
It's not about labels. More Christian or not Christian enough. If you want to catch the attention of others, have joy from our Father. Let joy radiate from your pores. Spread your joy, and tell others you have this joy from Jesus. Don't be concerned about how you look, for the only One that matters knows your heart.
Everything you do, do it for Jesus. You will find limitless joy this way.
I pray all this for you.
Amen
Financial update: I'm still $2,400 away from my first deadline to attend training camp. If you feel called to support me, you can click the Support Me tab on the left! Also if you're aware of Indiegogo, I set up a project on there so you can check out different support options as well as unique gifts for different donation increments!
