I am glad Jesus was not a Christian. Part 2.

I am not a fan of labels per se.  Too often we start labeling things and people...before we know it we are get caught up in a whirlwind where instead of knowing the person's name we know them as the gossiper whose husband is having an affair or the poor guy who can't get a date.  

One of my favorite things about Jesus is the fact that He did not hang out with the "good" people, I highly doubt Jesus would be hanging out with me today.  And you know what, I am okay with that.  Because He invested His time in the very people we consider "less than" most of the time.  In fact often we will give money but not step out and do something, we do not like to get our hands dirty.

And this is the second reason I am glad Jesus was not a Christian.

He did something.  He did not care to get dirty.  He did not care if the person smelled.  He did not care if the person was sick.  He did not care what the person did for a living.  He gave His time, the money they collected, everything...to help these people.  And He never labeled them or saw them for anything different than what they were.  People in need of Love.  In need of Grace.  In need of Mercy.  In Need of Redemption.  Just like Me, like You.

I know that I often label people in my head.  Why?  I think to make myself feel better.  To say, hey at least I am not them....

Look at the 12 men He chose to be his disciples. 

Fishermen, tax collectors.  

He asked them to give up everything.  To follow Him.

And they did.

My question to myself is constantly, Would I have done this?  Or would I have made excuses like the rich man? (Matthew 19:16-30)

We do not have to be rich to give to the poor.  I am reminded of the story of the widow in Mark 12 she gave everything she had and Jesus recognized that more than all those rich who gave.  Why?  Because she gave everything she had.  

She gave everything that she had.

Have I ever given everything I have?

No.

Am I willing?

Most of the time, No.

Do I get my hands dirty?

Again, No.

But as I find myself drawing into a more intimate relationship with Jesus my desire to do these things is changing.

I actually have no problem with being called a Christian.  It denotes who I am, a follower of Christ.  Do I wish that people viewed us, as Christians, differently?  Yes!  I want us, Christians, to challenge the world's definition of the word.  I want people to look at us and know we are Christians by the love we show- to one another, to those around us who are different, and to those who are considered outcasts, sinners, and poor.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. -John 13:34-35

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. -Ephesians 4:2

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  -Hebrews 10:24

I want to be a catalyst....

I often think of the Casting Crowns song If We Are the Body says and ask these things the best....

But if we are the Body 

Why aren't His arms reaching 

Why aren't His hands healing 

Why aren't His words teaching 

And if we are the Body 

Why aren't His feet going 

Why is His love not showing them there is a way 

There is a way 

Are we willing to show them, there is a way?

Comments

[Rachel]

"I want us, Christians, to challenge the world's definition of the word."

AMEN AMEN AMEN!!! Love it!!!

May we all be catalysts, O Lord...

[Kara with a K]

I had to go get caught up and read part 1 first, and now having read both posts (and hopefully more like them in the future), oh my! God is really speaking something through you that I wish all Christians would read and consider. I am guilty of not wanting to get my hands dirty, not wanting to fellowship, serve and love the least of these, of not giving my all. I was reading in a devotional yesterday about that very thing. If I wouldn't be so hard-headed I might realize God is trying to tell me something....

I have no idea why it took me so long to start reading your blog, but I am sure glad I have found it!

[Andrea]

Oh, I like what Victoria said - Christian is our privilege, not just our label!

Last month I went to serve at a ministry in our inner-city, and after my initial discomfort at being around "the least of these", I realized that every single one of us, no matter who were are, where we are, or what we are, craves affirmation, love, and knowing they are valued. That is what we need to do. It's what Jesus offered and it is what we need to continue to offer. Thank you, Christy, for getting this discussion going!

[Victoria]

Girl, have I got the book for you! Servolution by Dino Rizzo...actually, I've only read the one chapter I'm writing on...but it is some powerful stuff! God is behind this movement that I can't help but see everywhere I turn lately...a movement for movement! We are called to serve people as part of our serving Him! The term "Christian" originated as an insult and the world still uses it as such, but let's take back that awesome word and live proudly as shining examples of what it looks like to be slaves for Christ. That's the original context...and it should be our privilege, not just our label!

[Kristen {dancing in the margins}]

Jesus is speaking something powerful through you and I have a feeling...He is just getting started.

I want to be like the men He called and readily respond. Just getting up and going where He goes. Getting my hands dirty --taking Him seriously and "doing the thing".

[David]

Why are we so rubbish we this? Because our lives are so easy and comfortable that we don't know what real suffering is (I'm generalising of course, but you know what I mean)

And, dare I say, we just don't take our submission/surrender to the Lordship of Jesus seriously

But, if we don't, He won't (Matt 7:22-23)

And - definitely no need for butterflies (of the stomach variety) when you have posts this good Christy :)