Jesus is NOT....

The next time someone tells you they don't like Christians because they don't live like Jesus, tell them that Jesus was a lot of things, but there were a lot of things that he was not, Jesus did not bend, he NEVER negotiated, he never wavered, he was not needlessly indignant, he was not a hypocrite, he was not influenced, he was NOT coerced, he Never took the easy road, he didn’t say what others wanted to hear, he was not silent, he was not compliant, he was NOT wrong...EVER...we spend a lot of time explaining who he was, but it is just as important to know who he was NOT. Just a thought...

I think people who say if Jesus were here he would be tolerant and nonjudgmental and would never rock the boat and just go around saying “Why can’t we all just get along?” are missing the point. Jesus always asked the sinner to repent and turn from their sins and follow him. He always pointed to the Father as the giver of life. He always spoke the truth even when it hurt but not because it hurt. He never gave sin a second look even when the Devil tried to tempt him. He always saw beyond the now and into a person’s heart, never looking for instant gratification like so many do today. He knew a man was not who he was based on his occupation or his past, but by his heart and his future in Christ. All of these things Jesus did to bring himself into the hearts of people. One thing he never did was condone sin, or embrace mediocrity. He demanded loyalty, but showed humility. He abhorred sin, but showed love to the sinner. He grieved for the lost and raised the dead unto life because of the faith of a few. He walked unto death clothed in the chains and weight of our sin so that we may be the witnesses to his resurrection to those around us and bring the good news to others so they can be changed too. Jesus was a lot of things, but mostly, he WAS God. To make him anything else is to make an idol that suits our needs, but we were put here to suit His needs, we fail to remember that sometimes. So the next time someone says you need to tolerate my sin because Jesus would, explain to them that sin and Jesus can not coexist. Light and dark can not occupy the same space. The more sin you let creep into your life the less room there is for him.

Passion

Is there something you are passionate about? I mean something that deep down you feel so strongly about you are willing to say things you know may be misconstrued? Or you feel so strongly thet you almost feel an obligation to inform others? I have that passion. I know my opinions are not shared by all and thats ok, they shouldn't be. But let me give you a challenge.....Do not fall prey to the whims of others. Do not let anyone dictate what you think. Learn for yourself. Whether it be politics, or religion, or the very values that you hold dear, examine your motives, make sure they are yours and not a deep seeded motivation brought on by years of indoctrination from a world bent of making the most secure among us have feelings of inadequacy that can only be overcome by getting on thier side. When in college I was in a religious studies class at a Christian university. One assignment was to attend other services, Catholic, Jewish, any that we could get into, and then write about it. The exercise was to bring our thinking back to its roots, to understand why we believe what we do. I challenge each of you to do the same. I go over the top with my posts for a reason, to make you think. For some I am sure all I do is make them mad, for others I am sure I make them laugh at this idiot, but for some I hope it opens their eyes, not only to the topic, but to the passion that I have for what I type. My roots are strong in Judeao Christian ethics. I try not to cross that line. I respect all races, I respect all genders and yes I respect all political views. But I do not agree with any that I think are going to be detrimental to this country and most importantly its people. I think the opportunities we had growing up are fading away. Studies show that for the first time in several generations, this group of kids will NOT have it better than thier parents. That concerns me, I want to change that. I just want it known that I know I sound irritated, and yes I am, we all should be. We are on a slippery slope that this country is not built for. God once was a staple in this Country, so much so his name was placed on our money. His name is on the walls of Congress. His book is still sworn on to stand for truth and honor in our justice system. Prayer still opens congress. When a national emergency arrises the churches fill and we see once again that prayer is still needed. So why can't we follow his tenants? Jesus was a lot of things but one thing he was not was tolerant. He loved the sinner so much that he always asked for them to turn from thier sin and follow him. He pointed out what they were doing was wrong and simply said go and sin no more. He is the example. We should not tolerate the sinful ways of our nation. We should not become cozy with mediocrity. We should not ignore the lies and deception that are told to further causes. It has gone on far too long. It is time to stand up and be passionate about what we believe in. It used to be God, Family and Country, now I think it is more like Me, Myself and I. If we don't reconnect with the passion that made this country what it is we will never be what this Christian nation once was.....and thats a fact.