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.