Hey, friends. I just wanted to share this quote I read. It comes from a little book entitled Jesus With Dirty Feet by Don Everts (IVP, 1999). Look at this:
“Jesus was not a Christian. He never asked anyone to become a Christian, never built a steepled building, never drew up a theological treatise, never took an offering, never wore religious garments, never incorporated for tax purposes… He simply called people to follow him.” (p.14)
As I read this portion I had to admit to myself, some times I seem to more in tune with the religiousness of Christianity than I am in tune with Jesus. But his call was not to fit the mold we no of as a good church member. His call was simply “Follow me.” That requires knowing Him in an intimate personal relationship. That requires obedience and imitation of His life and character. That requires radically following Jesus.
He challenges our love and compassion, our mercy and our sacrifice. He leads to us make a difference in our society for the good of others and for the cause of Christ. He draws us out of our apathy and into ministry for the sake of others. He gives us hope and asks us to share that hope with the rest of the world. Oh, that we might be Jesus in our world!
That’s the good life. – JB
*This does not advocate an abolishment of the church, but it does call for reformation of our ideals about what being Christian really means.
