On Friday I will leave with a bunch of teens from our church headed on a mystery trip of sorts. I am really excited about this trip for a few reasons. The teens that have signed up to participate have no idea what they will be doing, I mean absolutely no idea. I won't divulge too much right here right now, but let's just say this, it takes a lot of heart for someone to, not knowing where they are going, pile in to a vehicle willing to travel to serve someone else. Knowing it could be really easy or it could be grueling. Knowing it could be a lot of fun or a lot of frustration. Not having any idea what to expect, only expecting to love and serve others in the name of Jesus. Does it get any better than that? I don't think so, especially not with teens.
As a matter of fact I have been struggling everday in my own life trying to figure out more about what it means to live as a Christian in this world. Although I have been a christian for sixteen years, I have been upset and dissapointed in what I have found, I have been angered by what I have found, and I have been saddened to some degree about what I have found. Mainly, the fact that I am not getting it done the way Jesus wants me to. I'm not talking about keeping "Five Acts in Worship" or living to the letter of the self imposed legalism that no man could ever live up to. I'm talking simply about being a Christian. It appears this word has a different meaning to so many people, that is in appearance by how they live. Not that I would judge, but I remember seeing this "your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" and then the one about doing everything you do in the name of the Lord. I guess I don't see that very much, especially not in church.
My wife made a comment to me one time a couple of years ago that was somewhat prophetic and sobering to me. She said, the "people I work with at my school who are not Christians act more like Jesus than some people I know from church." Wow! There is some insight into something, it's a testament from the world right back at us. A sad one but a true one so many times.
So being a christian, I mean what do I see it as? I see it as living out our lives as an extension of Jesus everyday. It means getting outside of four church walls and loving your community. It means not being afraid to expose your heart and mind to anyone you meet in the name of Jesus. It means having a boldness that comes from the Spirit who lives in you, that allows you to be a living sacrifice everyday. It means denying yourself, even when you think you don't need to. It's about loving all of our neighbors everyday as much as ourselves. I am sure I am forgetting something I came up with. I just know I've missed the boat at times. This week it means getting on a van with a bunch of nutty high school kids and doing everything we do in the name of Jesus!
Tell me what I missed, what do you see it as?
Grant said...
Hmmm, good thoughts.
My 2 cents - keep it simple. Love Jesus, Love Others.
I vaguely remember a quote saying how dare us presume on God to call ourselves 'Christians' or 'saved.' Our life should just following Jesus and leaving our 'salvation' to God.
Not saying I totally agree but I do like the idea.
Have a groovy trip, bro!!
k2 said...
hey let me start by saying that i like this post a lot better than the last one you made, jk!
i will pray for you (you will need it going on a trip with those krazies!), and for the teens. i will pray that they will be the light that they need to be and that they will share themselves, as well as share Jesus.
my hope is that the group will come together and see how much they need each other in this 'me-me-me' society that they are growing up in.
take care and be safe (i mean you are taking my gift with you)!
Donna G said...
Having that boldness that comes from the Spirit but keeping the humility that without it we would be nothing. ... I think this is where some "church" people miss it.
They are busy being "right" and busy being "busy" and forget to be a servant to "all".
JD said...
I hope you'll tell us about your trip.
k2 said...
me, too. i taught tonite because he was 'tired.' well ... i guess i would be too if i took about 10 kids to go do mission work and then to an entertainment park BY MYSELF with no backup, that is, to go without another adult to help lend a hand.
my hat is off to the man. you're a great man chris!
