Y'all might have been wondering why I chose to post a week-long parody of the Mac vs PC commercials.
It wasn't to make fun ... honest.
Instead, I wanted to challenge all of my readers - those who have a relationship with Christ and those who do not.
The term 'Christianity' is a wonderful, comforting label, isn't it? I think we've all been guilty of hiding behind it (yes, hiding). I, myself, have found comfort in the label (sometimes, it's just so comfortable in the box, isn't it? And I believe that we also like putting other things in boxes, too - not just ourselves. God, for example).
What separates the Christian faith (I will not call it religion) from other beliefs is that it circles (not boxes) around a relationship with Christ.
A relationship with Christ? What's the catch?
No catch. Really. There are no rigorous rules that one must follow. No hoop-jumping is necessary (although I believe dead churches would have you believe that you must do a lot of hoop jumping in order to be the 'right' Christian).
The way I figure, there are two groups: those who flock to the rule-driven religion called Christianity and those who never have a relationship with Christ because of those rules.
RULE DRIVEN RELIGION
Why is it that for some of us, having a list of impossible rules is more comfortable than just
being? Could it be because if we just
are we have to get truthful with ourselves in who we really are? Perhaps having all these rules allows us to put on an outside mask that makes us appear presentable (perfect?), when deep inside we believe we aren't worthy.
WE'RE NOT WORTHY
On the other token, there are those who never have a relationship with Christ because they are led to believe (either by their own doing or others) that they aren't worthy; that they couldn't possibly live up to the expectations set by the church (either real or perceived).
I don't live in the right community.I don't drive the right car.I don't wear the right clothes.I don't listen to the right music.I don't read the right books.I'm black.I'm white.I'm fat.I'm skinny.A pretty long list of ridiculous, isn't it? I sited the last four to show how really ridiculous these self-imposed rules are. But what about the deeper set of standards:
I've lied.I've cheated.I've stolen.I've murdered.These definitely seem like deal-breakers, huh?
Wrong.
What we fail to realize is that Jesus didn't come for the healthy; He came for the sick. He didn't come for the rich (in spirit); He came for the poor. He came for us - just as we are.
If I have offended anyone by my series of posts this week, I'm glad. Sometimes, when we're offended, it's a conviction. Did you see yourself in the video? Hopefully you did - as the Christ follower. If you saw yourself as the 'suit', perhaps now is a good time to step back and ask yourself: do I have a relationship or a set of rules with Christ?
He wants a relationship with His children. Just as you are. It's okay. He created you. He knows your best and your worst sides. He doesn't care.
Have a great Spring Break, y'all!
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