I’ve created Jesus in  my own image. In my mind, He tends to be an outlaw with anti governmental and anti religious attitudes. A true rebel against the reality of the norm, against the establishment. I have given him a lot of my own characteristics to justify my actions and my take on the sacred Text.

The disturbing part of this scenario, is the ease in which the creation has come to be.

In the past, i have been very accusatory towards those who would see Jesus different than the one created in my image. After all, the pale skinned blue eyed Jesus with a mullet was so…American. It was, obviously, my job and calling, to convince others to see my own personal Jesus, so different and so…correct.

Being edgy, for the sake of edgy(ness) has lost its luster. I can no longer sustain a viewpoint simply for the sake of being different. I officially resign as president wanna be of the “I want to make Jesus cool because I have been pissed off at the church” club. I’m weary of defending or even pointing out the different camps in which these view points exist. Trying to be the “alternative” simply brings division. Don’t want any part of that.

Listened to “beautiful” by Phil Wickham. That is where I want to live. The simplicity of a understanding of who He is, not who I, or anyone else makes him out to be.

Even in my sacrifice.

Some friends of mine are spending a week eating only rice and beans. The goal is to relate to people in m ost of the world who have little more to eat than rice and beans every day.

I found that I was proud to stand with my friends, if only for a few days. I was being a good son, sacrificing in the name of Jesus whom I have created. But the interesting side effect of pride in sacrifice, was not being able to relate to the hungry,  but wallowing in my own self preservation. So even as I tried, I cannot relate to the hungry who survive on rice and beans. Because I have the ability to choose. To complain. To add salt, pepper, and other spices. They do not. 

In my effort to impress Jesus with my sacrifice and my perspective…fail.

However, efforts of Jesus to remind me of my weakness and dependence on him even though I am not hungry…success.

I say all mof this simply because life on “The Fringe” does not require the tools or weapons I have armed myself with.

Seems as though all that is needed is the attitude of introduction.

Hey, people on “The Fringe”, meet Jesus. Not mine, the real one.

I thought about what Jesus one said…Matt 11:12
12 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.”

I wonder sometimes if we spend to much time trying to make Jesus cool. I wonder sometimes if we spend to much time trying to make church a cool place. I wonder sometimes if we spend to much time setting up a buffet for people to choose from, and continuing this consumer mentality.

We certainly cannot beat people into the Kingdom of God. So could it be that it is our attitude that must be like that of a warrior? Maybe we are to fight for those we share with…Never giving in, never quitting, always looking to infiltrate the enemy camp, always willing to cross enemy line with the hope of being able to usher in life change for just one.

Fighting for what we know to be true. Not begging, not mamby pamby actions. But actions that show others we are there to rescue them from the “domain of darkness.”

My son was in Iraq. Separated from his wife and family for a cause. Whether or not you agree with the cause does not matter. He did. And he was willing to lay his life on the line because he did. As he once told me, “I am a Marine dad. That is what I do.”

Can we as believers be no less willing to lay our lives on the line?  How can we sit by and make our life change the end of the process? Our willingness to be a bit more willing to get involved in the lives of people, having the attitude of a gladiator…knowing that the battle is real, this should move us. Knowing that we are actually fighting for a life.

‘Gladiator’s Oath’ is inspired by the famous oath spoken by gladiators to their emperor before an event. The oath in Latin is “Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant” which means “Hail Emperor, those who are about to die salute you.”The battle is real. So is life change.

I guess I always knew it would be this way. Seemed a bit odd for me to find myself in places that just seemed to not fit. I learned so much, had the opportunity to go places that otherwise would not happen. Sat under great teachers, great men of faith. A strong foundation was given. Now it’s time.

Someone told me once that it would most likely be this way. Did not really understand the implications till now. We seldom do though.

Over the years, I’ve asked for opportunities that I really did not understand. Being ready and being able is often two different things. At least in my case.

I joined the Navy right out of high school. Not my first choice, but it was better than what was left. After boot camp and school for training, I was given my first duty assignment. Charleston, SC. I arrived pumped about going out to sea, seeing things I had never seen. What I was assigned to was a ship that had come in for a 18 month dry dock repair.

We chipped paint, rebuilt engines, added new stuff, stripped out the old and put in the new. Best as I can remember, I was in trouble a great deal of the time. Had to spend many weeks restricted to the ship. During those times of struggle, I learned all about that ship. Every nook and cranny. Every deck, every hiding place, even places I knew I had no place going.

After all the dry dock repairs, we were ready to head out for sea trials. It was time to make sure we were sea worthy. Inspectors were crawling all over the ship. One Captain grabs me by the arm, tells me that we have taken a missle hit right where I was standing, “you’re taking on water, you’ve lost 50 of your shipmates, fire is spreading! What are gonna do sailor?”

I stare at him as a freaked out 19 year old, and said “run?”. “Wrong answer! You are officially dead! Hit the deck! I laid there for 2 hours. Got a 10 min lecture about being prepared for any situation. and to help me remember,  I was put on mop duty for 2 days.

Being teathered brings a bit of security. You know where you are, who is around, where to go. Even when the storm comes, you realize that as long as the rope is tied, and is in at least half way decent shape, and though the ride may be bumpy, you are still teathered.

Headed out to the fringe. Not completely cut off from what has sustained me, nor turning my back on what i’ve learned or people I know. But, the reality is, some folks just won’t come in. No matter what is offered, no matter how attractive it is, some just want to stay out on the fringe.

It is the fringe where I am being sent. To live, and to love. People matter to God. All people.

May 1st, we will go live with Primal Faith. Blogging, videos, interviews, stories about and from people on the fringe. This has been 2 years in the making. Finally seems a bit trite, but appropriate. Not sure I am ready for all situations. But I am ready to meet folks. I am ready to fulfill what has been poured into me. We are already making some cool connections, unpacking some really cool vision, planning some really cool events.

Maybe, you’ll stop by and check in, stay in touch, offer up a prayer for what we hope to acomplish. It is pretty broad and overwhelming. But, so is faith.

Primal Faith, Life on the Fringe