...when you hide certain things about Jesus to attract people to him, it's not Jesus you're attracting them to. (Jarod Wilson, here)
I like reading Jarod's blog. He is no-nonsense and gospel focused. To many times we feel that we must be people pleasers. That Jesus needs some make-up to cover his flaws. Yeah, we will mention some of his hard teachings, like his encounter with the Rich Young Ruler where Jesus tells him to sell all that he owns. But then we will soften the blow with phrases like, "that does not apply to everyone," or "you just have to have a loose grip on your stuff." While I agree that it does not apply in the same way to everyone, that does not mean that it does not apply in the same way to you or me. But we like to let people off the hook so they will join the "Christian Club." The Christian Club is a lot like the church, only it has all the benefits with 99% fewer commitments.
Now go out there and have your best life now!
3 comments:
I generally agree with the sentiment. I do think that a lot of it is how we present it though. So many have been burned growing up in turn-or-burn types of churches. Sometimes they need to know that God unconditionally loves them before they can even hear the other stuff.
I don't think he is saying "hit 'em over the head with it." However, Jesus was very confrontational, with the Pharisees and even the rich young ruler. I think you have to be willing to be led by the Spirit, even when the conversation might get uncomfortable. Sometimes we don't get over our past until confronted with it.
Yet Jesus was very tender and compassionate with those the religious folks called "sinners".
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