In the past couple months I have read “Radical” by Platt and “Crazy Love” by Chan, as well as other books detailing the radical side of “Jesus culture.” But more than any of these books, though they are great wake-up calls to our church, I have read over and over the personal dialogue of Jesus himself, recorded in the gospels, the passages we like to call “metaphorical” or “symbolic,” never giving the notion that these verses were very much literal.
I have been preaching sermons on the REAL cost of following Jesus; repainting our picture of Jesus. Through the past few weeks, I realized that living radically is even a choice for me this year. Yeah, I’m currently in Nepal, living amongst orphans a few miles from Everest, but I still have to choose into living radically each morning.
During a swahili sermon last month I wrote the following poem. It captures the essence of what I am saying. At the end of the day, we have been called to give it all: What will you say?
The Hard Question
“Just as I am”
Sounded good at the time.
But now you want more,
Than just a few dimes.
You say, ” I want it all,”
That I’ve got room to grow.
But this means sacrifice,
and less comfort, I know.
I fear total surrender,
So I choose not to call.
I’ll give you some,
But I can’t possibly give all.
You call me lukewarm,
And beckon for more.
I want to say “yes!”
But I fear what’s in store.
So I stay where I am,
And bank on your grace.
I pray for your favor,
At the end of my race.
You say believing is key,
So I live with no fear.
But is it really that easy,
For the end is near.
As I go about my day,
I’m plagued with the question:
Am I happy “just as I am?”
Are you happy with who I am?
I’ll one day give in,
and give you my life…
Or 10 years down the road,
Will I repeat this to my wife?
You say you want it all,
Today is the day.
The only question that remains,
Is what will I say?
