Its gotta be real

Facing my character

I’m struck with the number of  times Christians get stuck arguing points of philosophy while the people around them are left feeling unseen and de-valued.

I don’t really want to admit this, but I need to face the number of times I can be so busy thinking or talking about doing great things for God that I miss the people he has (including my family) standing right next to me.

If we can reduce Christianity to simply a bunch of ideas, we can make it safe, comfortable and able to fit into the gaps of our already crowded lives, kind of like a padding to take off the sharp edges.

The thing is, Christianity isn’t safe… it’s confronting.

Jesus confronts the part of me that wants safety and the part of me that wants to reinforce my current position.

He comes and calls me to face the inconsistencies not only in my thinking, but in the very fabric of my character.

I’m continuing my journey with Colossians 3 and today verses 12 to 14 stand as a sharp reminder of the confronting nature of the gospel.

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

This passage shows me just how far I have to go..  so often I am full of myself, unkind, trying to show I am right, looking for an easy way out, inconsistent and self-absorbed. I want people to tell me I am doing well, that my character is what it needs to be, that they aspire to be like me.

I love that the gospel stands kind of like a builder’s plumb line, showing me the gaps and inconsistencies in my character.

There is part of me that would hate to follow a God who would allow me to get away with simply putting on a show for others.

I aspire to have a character like Paul is talking about, and I know I am continuing to grow in that direction.

I also know though, that I will always be on this journey, and the times I think I have made it are going to be the times when I am the most dangerous.

Christianity can’t simply be a bunch of ideas, its gotta be real.