Let me tell you something very honest about myself.
I’ve been that person in groups talking about God.
I’ve read lots of books about theology.
I’ve taken in ridiculous amounts of knowledge about Jesus.
I’ve learned how to discuss my belief.
I’ve served publicly with a smile on my face.
And yet, often, after it was all over,
I’d go back into my ordinary, everyday, private life
struggling to live this holy love out.
Let’s be clear.
I have a deep love for Jesus.
I mean, Jesus is just cool.
There is nothing boring about Him.
He’s not soft and flimsy.
He challenges the status quo.
He welcomes the least of these.
He upholds women.
He’s generous to children.
He’s a fantastic storyteller.
His stories are subversive.
He puts himself last time and time again.
I mean, this is a guy whose kingdom is totally upside down.
That being said…
I love his way, his example and simply want to follow Him.
However, let’s go back to the struggle.
As much exterior information as I was putting in my head
about Jesus, there was a disconnect for me
between my brain, my heart and my actions
in the hidden places of my life.
And, the thing is, I see the same struggle for others.
It’s as if, people take in information about Jesus,
but then there’s this gap to actually live out
what they’ve heard about…
Forgiveness.
Listening.
Relationship.
Love of Self.
Love of Neighbor.
Sabbath.
Generosity.
I know our faith life is more a slow stroll and less of a quick sprint, but
I can’t help but be enamored by this question:
“How is the good news of Jesus forming us as
Spouses? Parents? Friends? Children? Co-Workers? Volunteers? Citizens?”
Because, truly, it’s in the small words and mild actions of
everyday living that actually matter,
not in the big sweeping mountaintop experience
we encounter once or twice in our life.
And, if all we do is hear and talk about Jesus, but our way of being and seeing
remains the same through our standard days, something is off kilter.
Jesus, afterall, consistently invites growth and expansion.
So, what do we do?
Later in the week, I’ll share with you what happened to help me
begin to answer this question for myself. Stay tuned…
Enjoyed reading this. My reading it comes right on the heels of me teaching a class yesterday from James 2: 14-26. Here, James talks of faith and works. We talk of Jesus, take in all he has to offer which strengthens our faith, but does the world see corresponding works?
Thank you for responding. Yes, this link between faith and works is an important one. And, I wonder if there is a further conversation about the formation we bring to our work… not just simply getting exterior work done (production/checking the box to service), but about the mindfulness and love we bring to the process.
Can’t wait. You have raised a “gap” that is as certain an aspect of our humanity as life and departure from this life.
Thanks G, profound thought! I have a feeling you know where I’m headed with this.
I do agree Allie. I love the richness of learning about Jesus down here. I find myself struggling how to be more Christl like. To live what I am learning. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait for the next part.
I enjoy your righting and the authenticity behind it. I go to a Christian University and the disconnect is a real big deal. I am doing some pieces on what God is doing in my life while I become less ignorant to what other religions believe and how to communicate with them. Feel free to look it up. https://guidedbyvoices128527495.wordpress.com/2018/02/05/ignorance-is-not-bliss/
The path you are on is a good one. I encourage you to keep going : ) You may like what you find at onbeing.org or patheos.com
[…] Part One: The Jesus Gap (a struggle to live out holy love) can be read here […]
[…] friends, As a follow up to my last two posts (The Jesus Gap, Parts One and Two), I wanted to give you some resources that have been helpful on my path for your further […]