(Note: this is a continuation of chapter 1 of the Irreligious Followers book I am working on. The first part of this chapter is here and then here.)
The Predictable Way or the Jesus Way
We often love Jesus but, really, we love even more our comfortable religious boxes, our titles, our roles, and our predictable programs and routines. It’s easier to stay in the boat of religion than to get out and follow Him. We might fail. We might look foolish. We might get all wet. We might not like the change.
But one thing is sure: if we don’t get out of the boat there is no chance that we will ever walk on water.
The life of the follower is still, and always will be, a life of faith. Faith will always involve forsaking some comforts, even religious ones, in order to step out.
If you are going be a trapeze artist, you have to let go of one bar in order to fly through the air and catch the other bar. In Hebrews 11 we see that people of faith acted in a way that was contrary to the comforts and sensibilities of others. They went somewhere, built something, sacrificed, chose to suffer with others, gave something up… there was risk and action to their faith. They let go of what they could grip to grasp hold of an experience with God.
Followers of Jesus are regaining the courage to risk when God is speaking. We no longer want to settle for play-it-safe, cookie-cutter religion that has no life, teeth, focus, or power to it.
I know risk and faith can be used by irresponsible people to do irresponsible things. Quitting a job, for example, because “God told me to” could be an act of the irresponsible not wanting to grow up. But, on the other hand, let’s not write something off just because it offends our rules of comfort and sensibilities. I have a young friend who recently did this very thing. Honestly, I don’t know if God has spoken to him clearly or not. But in our play-it-safe world, I’m excited to see what will happen and I’m excited that he is doing his level best, today, to follow Jesus.
It’s almost impossible to see God-things happen while we are playing it safe.
Most churches are playing it safe. Many Christians are playing it safe. Yes, risk can sometimes bring with it the element of danger. But, then again, not risking when faith calls us forward could be even more dangerous!
The awakening, audacious followers of Jesus are world changers because they are compelled to act according to their faith. And where faith is engaged, God is revealed.
Comments
2 responses to “The Predictable Way or… (Ch. 1 Continues)”
LOVE this post! I’ve been going through Matthew and have been camping on Mary’s extravagant expression of love for Jesus (chapter 26/John 12). Nothing “predictable” about her actions, was there? Here’s what I journaled as I meditated on these passages:
Did Mary know before Jesus came to her defense that she was actually anointing him for burial?
Months earlier she had sat at his feet listening intently to his teachings – choosing the “one thing that is needed” – that which “is better and will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42) Back then, it had just been her sister complaining about her to Jesus. Now all the disciples voiced their disapproving remarks.
“Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” (vs10)
Lord, this is how I want to live my day-to-day life – doing beautiful things to/for you. And I want to live my days with this picture in mind: you standing right next to me and defending me. You are that awesome Someone John saw in Revelation. The One with the eyes of fire, the thunderous voice and the face that shines like the sun. You are the rider on the white horse. You only open your mouth, and the words you speak “strike down the nations”. If you are for me, who can be against me? (Romans 8:31)
I’m reminded of St. Augustine’s words, “Love God and then what you will, do.” So, I just want to love you devotedly, like Mary, and not worry about what people say or do in response to how I express my love for you. You are my advocate.
I have been finding in the past decade that “change” is not easy for many of the followers of Christ but it is something that is absolutely necessary for the Kingdom to advance. What God is wanting to do in our lives is beyond programs, structure or denominations. It is all about allowing the Holy Spirit to take control. Thanks for this article. You have some strong points. I especially like your last statement:
“The awakening, audacious followers of Jesus are world changers because they are compelled to act according to their faith. And where faith is engaged, God is revealed.”
Thanks again!