"A nice, middle-class, American Jesus. A Jesus who doesn't mind materialism and who would never call us to give away everything we have. A Jesus who would not expect us to forsake our closest relationships so that he receives all our affection. A Jesus who is fine with nominal devotion that does not infringe on our comforts, because, after all, he loves us just the way we are. A Jesus who wants us to be balanced, who wants us to avoid dangerous extremes, and who, for the matter, wants us to avoid danger altogether. A Jesus who brings us comfort and prosperity as we live out our Christian spin on the American dream."
This is an exert from the book 'Radical' by David Platt. One of my supporters suggested I read this book as I get ready and prepare for this journey I am jumping into full force. I have only read a few chapters, but so far…it's like David Platt knew what questions I had myself..or what questions people were asking me. Throughout this whole process of getting ready to leave in January, I have had doubts and anxious feelings..some put there by my own imagination running wild and others put there by people closest to me..who I thought should support me no matter what. When I started reading this book..I realized..yes I will have doubts and people who are questioning me..well that's OK because now after starting this book…I have a better understanding on how to address these questions and strengthen my faith that this is where God says I am suppose to be this next year.
As Platt says following the exert up top… this is not the road we are suppose to take in our Christian lives. If we see Jesus as what we want and form our own opinions about what He is calling us to do, then we are forming Him to our image..but isn't it suppose to be us formed to His image? Aren't we suppose to be like Christ and not the other way around?
When I was talking to the supporter who recommended this book to me..he said something funny but powerful that has stuck with me the past few days. It's all fine and dandy that this girl over here is going around the world and giving up everything for Christ, but if it was my son or daughter..well that's different…they are suppose to get a job and graduate college, and get married and ya know…the American Dream. He was quoting a part in this book when a preacher told a congregation that if they did not support this missionary speaking to them, that he would pray their children would move to China and become missionaries. My supporter then said..Okay…wait..did he just threaten his congregation with the Great Commission? I thought..wow…that's so perfect!! Christians have this preconceived picture of a missionary and think…well those people are picked by Jesus just like the 12 disciples. Yes, I do think certain people are made and given gifts that fit into the typical missionary picture..but as Christians we need to get rid of this stereotype and realize we are ALL called to the mission field. You may not be called to the ends of the earth, or called to sell all of your possessions, and leave your family behind for a year and live out of a backpack…BUT you(we) are called to be willing to this if God asks. We are called to spread the Gospel in our communities, homes, lives, and world. Go and make disciples!! Know, Grow, Show, and GO make Christ known!!!!
