Down to the Nitty Gritty

Since being on my journey, my view of Christianity has changed quite a bit. That's in part due to the fact that before moving, I wasn't very excited about the whole religion thing... and I've also read some really good books. And of course they changed my life! But I honestly think they might change your life too. I would even call them mandatory reads... like the Bible! The first was "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. And the other was "The Shack" by William P. Young.

Both of them reminded me what Christianity is all about. Which is something I needed because I forget so often... I get caught up in all the hype... oh yeah, the Christianity hype and I completely forget why I even chose to follow this Christ person! And then I get hurt... as most people do by this church institution... and then I really wonder what I'm doing. But these books brought Christianity back to the nitty-gritty... to the simple truth of what it's all about.

Just incase you don't know what raw Christianity is... I'll let you know. It's about Love. Loving God and loving others. And trust me this isn't as simple as its said. Trying to accomplish either of these things is quite a hard task... I'm much better at ignoring God and smiling at others... maybe I should start a religion based on that. I would be a religious guru! Though I'm sure most of us have mastered the art of ignoring God and smiling at others.

I've also been reading a few issues of the Christian magazine Relevant. Mainly because I want to start writing for magazines and thought I would get a few ideas. But while reading this magazine, I was so convicted of my Christianity.

From cover to cover this magazine talks about people who are showing love... who are real live demonstrations of raw Christianity. Though books change my life and remind me of all the good stuff, I can still act like its something unattainable... because its in a book. But then I'm faced with the reality that people are actually living like Jesus did.

I remember once a youth leader sharing William Booth's vision... of people drowning and sinking in a raging sea while others sat safely on a platform. And of those who were safe... some of them were going back into the sea to rescue those still struggling. While the other safe ones just seemed to ignore them. William was says he was amazed in his vision, that those who were saved and then went back into the sea... didn't seem to care about the risk they were taking.

The Bible tells us that there is no greater love then laying down your life for another. Love is shown in your sacrifice... of your safety, time, money and energy. Love is selfless... it doesn't think about what can you do for me but what I can do for you! How can I bring hope to your life.

One of my favorite quotes which has been inaccurately attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson ends off with... "To know that even one life has breathed easier because of you. This is to have succeeded."

I'm tired of leading a selfish life... of trying to get success in money or a great job or a nice house. I'm tired of always thinking about my needs and what I'm lacking. I'm tired of focusing on what I want from life and from God.

I'm especially tired of putting off loving others... I keep saving it for when I'm better... when I'm happier or more stable. God forbid I died and didn't do any of it... oh, how sad it would be to know that I left this earth without ever really loving those who needed. That I stayed on that platform in my safety and watched others drown because I didn't want to get wet or take a risk.

I've taken stupider risks in my life... its time to start willing to risk it all for something that does matter... someone else's hope. I've gotten out the boat for things that would benefit me... it's time to start doing what I should be doing.

It's hard to call yourself a Christian because we all fall so short. And I know that I won't be perfect at being selfless... but I can at least die trying.

Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

James 1:26-27 (Msg)

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... "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"What is written in the Law?" [Jesus] replied. "How do you read it?"
He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all you mind'; and,
'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "
"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
Luke 10:25-28

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The Spirit of the Soverering Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfor all who mourn,

and provide for those who grive in Zion--

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

The will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the Lord

for the display of His splendor."

Isaiah 61:1-3