Cheap Imitation

Sometimes we try so hard to be like Jesus, we forget to be like Jesus.

It's easy to do.

We try to put on blamelessness and perfection, we try to put on avoiding sin at all costs, and avoiding the places where we know sin is or is likely to be out of fear that someone will associate us with it.

Think about it for a second, if it takes that long... You can come up with a list of places that people who call themselves Christians shouldn't be, right?

It's not that we can't talk to drug dealers, it's not that we can't talk to prostitutes, it's not that we can't talk to the broken, and it's not that we can't talk to the destitute, but we wait for them to come to us on our terms.

We say Jesus make me a missionary, I want to tell people about you, but only once they walk through church doors, and if the pastor talks to them first, or maybe if you want to send me to some other country, BUT don't send me to Siberia because I can't take the cold. Or Africa because I don't like heat either.

Please don't misunderstand me. I have a list as well.

There are places I feel like I don't belong inside of, and in truth I don't.

But in those places are people that Jesus belongs inside of, and there are places that the power of God needs to be put, and there is a darkness that needs to flee from the light, and people that need to see the love of Jesus.

We try to imitate the blamelessness, and try to appear perfect to everyone because that's how we feel we imitate Jesus.

The Jesus that changed and still changes lives is the Jesus that sets captives free and ate with the “worst sinners” of the times, broke racial barriers, reached out to people the “Holy” law-followers would have deemed untouchable, unworthy, and unimportant.

I'm NOT saying that everyone should walk into questionable establishments to do whatever they please.  We all have weaknesses, and we all have strengths, and we all need God to show us where we should go, whom we should speak what to, and what His design is, and we have to allow His strengths to fill our weaknesses.

The parable of the good Samaritan comes to mind. (Luke 10:25-37)

As people of God, how often do we walk by those that are left for dead physically? Emotionally? Spiritually?

Jesus said “go unto all nations and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19)

The word disciple and discipline share the same root word.

We aren't called to go out and just save people, or just reach out to people... but once they accept Christ, to help them develop a good relationship and to teach them the disciplines necessary for having a deep relationship with God.

We lead by example.

By the words of our mouths and the works of our hands.

We have to put on the armor of God ourselves, and then help others. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

The stage has been set, and the outcome has been decided, and the fight is all around us.

After the time spent in the prayer room Alissa had mentioned in one of her previous posts, I have tasted and seen the war around us, and now realize more than ever...

What we battle is not flesh and blood, (Ephesians 6:12) and we do have an enemy and he is ready, even if we aren't. (1 Peter 5:8)

My pastor talked about the armor of God and pointed out that if you look down the list, you will see nothing to protect your backside. There is no room for retreat.

But in Isaiah it says that the Lord's Glory will be our rear guard.

This is a call to action – the cause and the effect:

Isn’t the fast I choose:

To break the chains of wickedness,

to untie the ropes of the yoke,

to set the oppressed free,

and to tear off every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

to bring the poor and homeless into your house,

to clothe the naked when you see him,

and not to ignore your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will appear like the dawn,

and your recovery will come quickly.

Your righteousness will go before you,

and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard.

At that time, when you call, the Lord will answer;

when you cry out, He will say, ‘Here I am.’

If you get rid of the yoke among you,

the finger-pointing and malicious speaking,

and if you offer yourself to the hungry,

and satisfy the afflicted one,

then your light will shine in the darkness,

and your night will be like noonday.

The Lord will always lead you,

satisfy you in a parched land,

and strengthen your bones.

You will be like a watered garden

and like a spring whose waters never run dry.

Isaiah 58:6-11

This is how we are to be like Jesus.

There is no plan B.

There is no second string.

There is no retreat.

Vigilance.

This is how the Kingdom advances.