I've noticed something in this world. Everything is traditional. Our society is so based on norms. Politicians make the same cookie-cutter promises, being no more imaginative than the next. Teens all try and fit into their respective circles. Even the ones who are "outcast" are fit into stereotypes that are hard to get out of. Youth groups play the same cheesy awkward games, sing the same worship songs from The Fish, and have a generic message about peer pressure and temptations.
I am a Christian, as you can probably tell. I'm not saying that traditions in themselves are bad. But the church has forgotten one crucial thing. Jesus was a radical. He went against all social norms to set himself apart. He didn't make a mockery of those he didn't agree with. He instead befriended and surrounded himself the outcasts of the world, with the prostitutes, thieves, and lepers. He didn't tell people to leave him because they were unworthy, he invited everyone to come by his side. He loved those who would never love him. He never showed hatred toward a person. He was saddened to see others struggle. He sacrificed everything he had just to lift the burden off of our shoulders. How many people in the church can say they do that? How many can say they love those around them, no matter race, sexuality, gender, status or condition? How many can say they would give everything to save the man next to him? How many can say they can put others before themselves no matter the cost? Jesus called us to live the most radical lifestyle, even if we were looked down upon. You think the establishment liked Jesus? If they did, they wouldn't have crucified him. Is our job to follow the traditions given to us by centuries of American Christians? Or should we follow the man who is at the center of it all?
There are very few places where you can find Real Jesus Living. I am lucky to have been able to work at one of these places. A summer camp, where High School and College students volunteer their whole summers to preach the Gospel to children. This is a place where status, race, gender, lifestyles don't play a part in acceptance. This is a place where Jesus' love is shown to any and all. But even outside influences barge their way in. Argument arise, gossip starts, and trouble come along. This happens no matter where you are. The only thing we can do is devote our whole person to live like Jesus. I think that James said it best in Chapter 1, verses 2 and 3. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James encourages us to live like Jesus, no matter the cost, because we know that Jesus endured far worse, and he will reward us for our perseverance and reliance on him.
That, my friends, is Real Jesus Living.
I am a Christian, as you can probably tell. I'm not saying that traditions in themselves are bad. But the church has forgotten one crucial thing. Jesus was a radical. He went against all social norms to set himself apart. He didn't make a mockery of those he didn't agree with. He instead befriended and surrounded himself the outcasts of the world, with the prostitutes, thieves, and lepers. He didn't tell people to leave him because they were unworthy, he invited everyone to come by his side. He loved those who would never love him. He never showed hatred toward a person. He was saddened to see others struggle. He sacrificed everything he had just to lift the burden off of our shoulders. How many people in the church can say they do that? How many can say they love those around them, no matter race, sexuality, gender, status or condition? How many can say they would give everything to save the man next to him? How many can say they can put others before themselves no matter the cost? Jesus called us to live the most radical lifestyle, even if we were looked down upon. You think the establishment liked Jesus? If they did, they wouldn't have crucified him. Is our job to follow the traditions given to us by centuries of American Christians? Or should we follow the man who is at the center of it all?
There are very few places where you can find Real Jesus Living. I am lucky to have been able to work at one of these places. A summer camp, where High School and College students volunteer their whole summers to preach the Gospel to children. This is a place where status, race, gender, lifestyles don't play a part in acceptance. This is a place where Jesus' love is shown to any and all. But even outside influences barge their way in. Argument arise, gossip starts, and trouble come along. This happens no matter where you are. The only thing we can do is devote our whole person to live like Jesus. I think that James said it best in Chapter 1, verses 2 and 3. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James encourages us to live like Jesus, no matter the cost, because we know that Jesus endured far worse, and he will reward us for our perseverance and reliance on him.
That, my friends, is Real Jesus Living.
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