I’ve been reading a book called, I Became a Christian and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt by Vince Antonucci, and it’s great. There are a couple thoughts in the book that lead me to this post.
1. “If all a Christian has to do is stay on the straight and narrow path of obedience by doing right and not doing wrong, does it really matter if Jesus is out in front or not?” This quote from the book has really triggered a lot of thoughts for me. How many people are doing exactly what they are “supposed” to do, yet aren’t following Jesus at all? So much of what I see in the church today is about following the rules, fitting in, and being good. Basically, all about behavior modification. But where’s Jesus in that? What about the person who knows they hear Jesus telling them to go into a strip club and they end up ministering to a girl (it has really happened)? We all know you shouldn’t do that, but I’m sure glad they did.
Jesus came to the dark and disordered part of society to do His work, so why would his “prophets” today be telling us to avoid those places? Jesus didn’t go to those places to leave them dark and disordered, he brought light and order and beauty to where there was none. Isn’t this our job, too?
2. I also read a thought in this book that basically translates that Jesus’s primary concern isn’t getting you to stop sinning, it’s to get you to experience His love. The sin will probably fall away, but it isn’t His focus. I agree with this. How many fathers’ primary concern is when their kids mess up vs. making sure they know they are loved? How much more from our heavenly Father?
I hope we are listening to Jesus, and I hope we aren’t afraid to follow Him to the dark and disordered places in this world. It’s where He would have been (read that as where He is), and it’s where He wants us to bring His love.
Cross-posted from Phatkat’s Musings