''The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply find unbelievable.'' (''What If I Stumble'' by dcTalk)
This quote has been weighing heavy on my heart lately. Much of the reasoning behind it is simply because of what I do. Being a Youth Pastor can be the most rewarding and frustrating job at the same time. My ''job'' is to share the life changing message--the good news--of Jesus, and to hope and pray that students ''get it'' and instead of simply hearing the message they embrace it and live it out in their own lives.
The reality of this is that I cannot, and will not force Jesus down anyone's throat. I recognize that even though I had my ''a-ha'' moment when I was 16 and decided that day at camp that I wasn't going to live for myself any longer, but would choose that day to live my life for Jesus, the reality is that this won't be the case for every students that I connect with.
The reality of being a follower of Jesus is that we are called to be ''Set Apart''. We are supposed to be different...
- In our actions
- In our attitudes
- In our morals
- In our speech
- In our whole lives...
The challenge is that this world, this culture, that we live in is so enticing--so attractive--so sexy--so flashy. There is so much that pulls us apart from the intimacy that Jesus so longs for with us.
Galatians 1:6-8 says ''I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.''
Paul writes to the church in Galatia that they are being so easily distracted by a message that is so enticing--so attractive--so sexy--so flashy...but here's the main point: IT'S NOT THE GOSPEL. (the good news of Jesus)
And I think that so many of us--and myself included--we are so easily drawn to what's ''more fun'' or ''sexier'' or ''enticing''. Yet we forget, that these things are only temporary. They WON'T LAST. Jesus will.
I can remember the first time someone said to me ''You're a Christian?'' Ever had someone say that to you before? Makes you think doesn't it? Am I different...
- In my actions
- In my attitude
- In my morals
- In my speech
- In my whole life...?
John 10:10 says ''The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.''
2 Corinthians 2:15 says ''For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.''
I absolutely love 2 Corinthians 2:15....and how it says that we are to be the aroma of Christ. God wants our lives to be so similar to that of Jesus that we are even like the aroma of Christ! That we SMELL LIKE JESUS!
Do you smell like Jesus?
-Ty
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3 comments:
We don't just follow Him. We are indwelt by Him. I think that makes it even more amazing. Teens need to know that they can't follow Jesus in their own strength; they can't do it even with their old selves. They need to become new!! Jesus in you will change your lifestyle. It has too.
Proper citation for the quote would be Brennan Manning. Just sayin'. Peace, brother.
Hi Pastor, I am from C.R. I don't know why I am writing, since this blog is from april.., I was just looking for the quote "this is what an unbelieving word simply finds unbelievable" and at the end of my search I found this website..., and then I read the whole note you posted there..., and this bible verse call my attention, because I have been distracted and deserted to the Gospel of Christ, I am 31 years, well about to be, single and I used to live my life in such a different than I am doing nowadays that I am so empty, I deeply believe in God but I haven't walk His path for quite a bit now...., well I just want to say thank you for posting those positive words, and I encourage you to keep doing it.., since I know that you don't have a clue of the impact it may have in many people's lives..., I would love to hear from you, even though I know you are a pastor for youth people, not this kind of old.."jejeje". Sorry I forgot to mention my name: Christian Solano
Galatians 1:6-8 says ''I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.''
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