A few years ago I heard a sermon and it had one main point. Not three points and bonus rabbit trail story, just ONE point. This point has helped me through the years to be a better pastor and friend to the communities in which I have lived. It has helped me better relate to people of all ages, especially when I am ministering the Gospel of Jesus. And the best part is, it’s SO simple even I can remember it. The preacher said four words that will forever stay with me, and here they are…
Christian don’t be weird. And even now when I type it out I want to laugh. Because it’s hilarious. But then again not so hilarious. Let me give you the context of the statement. The preacher was talking about being a relevant and transparent witness of the Gospel of Jesus to the world. He was challenging us to make the Light of Christ the attractive inducement that it is, and not hide It under a shade of bizarre Christian clichés and angry subChristian ideology. If you’ve been in the church very long you have already seen it. The Christian, that because of some tightly held dogmatic belief and/or some social awkwardness, launches into a tirade of epic proportions about some theological minutia, and in the process crushes the intended audience or turns their stomach away from the Gospel. Mission NOT accomplished. I can already hear it. “Mike doesn’t the Bible say to stand up against heretics and false teachings?” Yes. But it doesn’t say to be weird about it. In fact it says quite the opposite. Jesus says in Matthew 5:13-16 (Msg)… ‘ “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.’ The message of Jesus is supposed to be attractive, generous and something people WANT. (Even more than a $50 flat screen on Black Friday) When we weird up the situation, we look the fool and ultimately HURT Christ in the process. So I have some tips. Before you launch into a tirade on your personal Biblical perspective ask yourself: 1. Do I really know what I’m talking about? I’ve seen WAY too many people preaching the Bible who don’t read/study it. It’s why bad armchair theology exists. Don’t offer your “insight” or opinions if you don’t know what you’re talking about. 2. Am I really interested in sharing this life-changing Message with this person, or am I just mad that they have a different opinion than me? If you’re just ticked that a person believes different or acts different or IS different, just go away. The Gospel of Jesus isn’t a venue for your angry tirade. It isn’t about anger, but one of love. Jesus didn’t die on the cross so you can run around and win arguments. Because even if you win, you lose. You might get the Starbucks worker to write “Merry Christmas” on your cup, but inside they think you’re a dork. (PS Why didn’t you just buy a bag of their CHRISTMAS BLEND COFFEE) You’re not an agent of change, you’re weird. * 3. Am I being Salt and Light or just vinegar? I once tried to lose weight by drinking some kind of vinegar. It was supposed to kick start my metabolism. Have you noticed I’m still chubby? Yeah, I’m not drinking that EVER again. It’s nasty. When sharing your faith, are you sweet or are you bitter? I’ve seen so many bitter Christian people and it makes me sad. The other day a friend pointed out someone at church who doesn’t like me. When I asked why they said, “They don’t like your music style”. This person has already written me off because the way I play guitar? Bummer. Our interactions with people should be pleasant. 4. Does it matter? There are many things Christians believe that REALLY matter. We call these things NON-NEGOTIABLES of the faith. Things like: virgin birth, Jesus atonement, biblical authority, second coming etc. They do not include: paint color, worship style, clothing, coffee cups, and music tempo. When we choose to stand on our bully pulpit for the things that do not matter, we become weird. And irrelevant. Christian don’t be weird. Stand up for truth. Be the love of Christ. But don’t be weird. Now confession time. In the flesh, I am the chief of weirdness. I love to argue minutia. I like to be right. The video of the preacher pranking Starbucks gets my flesh laughing, but the Holy Spirit that lives in me is doing a face palm. As I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve found the world doesn’t need Mike the Fool, it needs Jesus the Savior. Now isn’t the time for pet projects and senseless arguing, it’s time to get salty. That’s my two cents anyway. -M PS. My copy editor/Wife is sleeping and hasn't had time to proof this. When she reads it I'll update the corrections. ;) * You might have seen the viral video about the bully preacher who “stood up to Starbucks” because their red holiday cups don’t have Merry Christmas on them. Yeah I was talking about that weirdness. The guy was trying to be relevant, but failed. Keep trying bro!
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AuthorMike's Musings Archives
August 2017
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