Those words rung as I heard them said to another person….my heart sunk. This person, full of "good" intentions had talked about her God around many people…but that was the problem…it was simply…a lot of talk.
Imagine it, you are working and your boss talks about going to this church event or this outreach or this church service yet is so hard on people it brings them to tears. The person is nit picking and she is not considered kind from anyone other than her favorites. That same person talks about how "you need Jesus" but slaughters you behind your back.
Well this is what happened the other day…as I witnessed it first hand. There is this kid I know and work with that tends to drink a lot on the weekends. Many people look at this kid and thinks he has a problem. That is not my place to judge because I don't spend time with him nor do I even really talk to him but what I know is when my "boss" looks at this kid and tells him he needs "Jesus" he rolls his eyes and musters up under his breath…."Well I don't want your Jesus." What piercing words to someone who once said that themselves…..
I ran around bashing everyone who claimed this Jesus guy. I mocked, laughed and slaughtered these people behind their backs and even many times to their faces. I was the one who would push questions like, "Can God make a rock so big he can't lift it? Or "Why does God allow people to be murdered and babies to die". Normal "christianese" answers never satisfied and many times I would back "clueless" believers in to corners they couldn't get themselves out of.
So…as I sit across a restraunt looking at this girl, watching who she is hanging out with, observing her behavior, I am challenged to take a mirror and hold it up. Do I bash the hurting? Do I bring people to tears when trying to help them understand procedure? Do people walk away from me saying, "I don't want her Jesus?"…
I would love to say that people have never said that after talking to me…or watching me…or anything but I can hardly doubt that I am without fault at some point or another. I am sure that there are those moments when I do not look very "christian".
I guess, really, what I am trying to say is…those words PIERCED my heart and I don't ever want someone to say that because of something I say or do.
I guess, really, what I am trying to say is…I don't want to live a double life…
I guess, really, what I am trying to say is….I want to really care and love people, not just say that I do…
I guess, really, what I am trying to say is….I will go the extra mile in my place of employment, despite the lack of "popularity" and push for people to see that I care for them…
I guess, really, what I am trying to say is…I am willing to lay my desires down to press more in to the Word of God, and His presence so I can find out what He looks like so I can model that properly….
I guess, really, what I am trying to say is….there is a price to pay to show others the way and I'm ready to die in order to lead them the right way…
I guess, really what I am trying to say is…it really is worth it all…
I guess, really, what I am trying to say is…I want to reflect Jesus….and from this day forward, it can't be just about good intentions. It can't just be a good desire. It must be fueled by action and that….that is where I am headed. I am headed in to the action zone….the battle zone…the freedom zone.
Will you join me?
All for the sake of Christ……
