He has a reputation. Our whole squad knows about him, and we expect to see him each morning as our taxis round the traffic circle taking us to ministry. Everyday without fail, he is there in all his naked glory. He lives his life the same as any other person – sans clothing. In our time here in Sunyani, we have seen him sleeping on the sidewalk, sitting on the curb, walking down the road, and chilling under a tree.
The first time we saw the naked man we were rightfully shocked. He was in public and no one was batting an eye. We began to speculate about the public laws on indecency and wonder aloud whether or not anyone would “do anything” about him.
The second time we passed him, we were on the way home from morning ministry where we had done ATL (ask the Lord). What that looks like is spending time in listening prayer asking God to show you where to go and who to talk to that day. This comes through pictures, nudges, scripture, or God’s voice. It’s kind of like a scavenger hunt or Blue’s Clues with Jesus.
We were discussing our day in the taxi and the contents of my heart spilled through my lips. “Oh my gosh. Can you imagine if ATL took us to the naked man? I would need like five thousand affirmations from God to actually evangelize to that guy. How could you really even approach him?”
Remembering those words now stings my heart. This is not Christ centered discipleship. This isn’t even biblical. It opens my eyes to a glaring reality that I have blind spots. There is judgment rooted deeply within my heart that would actually keep me from being obedient to my Father. Naked or not, he and I have the same Creator.
So what is a girl to do with this realization? Is there a line to be drawn between obedience and personal safety? How far is too far, and who deems it as such? Is it ever okay to skip over another human being when it comes to sharing Christ’s love?
A dilemma we have encountered multiple times in Africa is the absence of public acceptance of those who are considered less fortunate. Anyone who is homeless, alcoholic, suffering from mental illness, or who has behavioral problems is labeled “mad.”We were out evangelizing in the community and instructed by one of the locals who was with us to stop talking to a homeless man that smelled of liquor because he was “mad.” Here, it is culturally acceptable to use this label, and it essentially serves as a catch-all phrase to describe any ailment that could ostracize a person from society.
As we walked away from this man, my heart broke. Why were we walking away from someone who is just as much a person as you or I? He needs a savior just as much as the president of Ghana does. The stigma attached to the poor and to those who are suffering tells society that they can turn a blind eye without repercussions.
Where have we come so far from biblical teaching?
Walking through the gospels, we see multiple events which indicate how Jesus feels about the poor. He also speaks strongly against those who judge others and those who don’t give to people in need.
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2
On hearing this Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17
In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus explains to His disciples that the one who was the most righteous wasn’t the priest or the Levite who were both expected to be the most holy. The one who was counted by Jesus to be blessed was the Samaritan who, by all standards of the law and their culture, should have avoided this guy who had been robbed and beaten at all costs. Rather than protecting himself or his fragile reputation as a Samaritan, he had compassion and went where the world told him not to go. He reached out to someone he wasn’t supposed to interact with and blessed him with his time and possessions.
In Luke 8, we see Jesus Himself approach a naked man. Not only was this guy naked, but he was also possessed by demons. Jesus didn’t put up blinders and walk rapidly in the opposite direction, He walked toward him, making eye contact. He approached this guy with a purpose and with confidence in the authority He walked in as the Son of God. Jesus sought him out and gave him time.
As I learn more about Jesus, my heart breaks more to look at the modern church. If Jesus came back today, I believe that He would hail a taxi and book it straight to the traffic circle. He would find the naked man, “mad” or not, and share His love and compassion.
As 21st century Christians, I think we all need to read a little, or a lot, closer when we learn about who Jesus was. The prosperity gospel has penetrated the deepest layers of modern theology and is poisoning the portrayed character of Christ. Jesus was bold. He didn’t care what others thought of Him. He wasn’t ashamed or afraid to be seen with sinners. He delighted in approaching the weak and the shamed because in our weakness, His grace abounds.
The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21
I’m not saying that I’m going to march up to the naked man tomorrow and become his best friend, but I want my heart to be in a posture of obedience. As the Lord reveals where I have put up barriers and drawn boundaries to His voice, I know He will teach me how to let go of my own issues and consecrate myself to the will of the Father.
Becoming a disciple of Christ requires dying to yourself and going in the footsteps of Jesus. His walk was radical and didn’t make sense to the majority of the world around Him. Why would I ask for anything different for myself?
Where are your blind spots?
