So this might be a heavy one…

…but you are reading a thinker’s blog so every once in a while, just indulge me a little.  : )

I was driving home this morning at 7:15 (yes, they expect 11-year olds to think and function and learn at 7:30 am) and a commercial came on the radio.  It was for notreligion.com.  Typically, I enjoy these commercials because they tell little stories or bits of sermons that really make you think (something a thinker likes).  Anyway, this morning it was talking about how 24 Christians die each day for their faith.  “Four people have died before you finish your caramel macchiato” the guy said.  He went on to say “one day you will be toe to toe with them (meaning in Heaven); what will you say when they ask what your faith cost you?”

 Now why do we do that?!

Why do we assume that because some people are called to missions we should all be passionate about missions or because some die for their faith we should all die for our faith or because this person has a heart for the homeless we should all go serve at the soup kitchen?  OK, don’t get me wrong.  All of these things are Godly, fruit-bearing acts of service that Christians should be doing.  But not every Christian is called to every act.  I am called to pray several hours a day.  Are you?  Are you less than me if you aren’t?  Of course not, you are called to something else that I could not imagine doing myself.  That is why we are all different parts of the body, that is why we need each other, that is why the church needs us,  and THAT is because we are each “fearfully and wonderfully made” by our Creator.  There has never been nor will there ever be another like you, me or my neighbor that lives down the street; there isn’t supposed to be.  We are all called to basic things, read the Bible if you want to know what they are; we are not all called to carbon copy lives.

Now secondly, why do we feel the need to take everything so seriously?  “When they ask you what your faith cost you what will you say?”  Oh.  Dear.  Goodness.  Are you serious?  Am I supposed to walk around feeling guilty if I’m walking in a season of blessing or rest or if I have led a charmed life (which believe me I have not, I am speaking for the masses).  I don’t believe that God holds those who have been killed at a higher level than anyone else.  I don’t believe He overlooks their sacrafice, not in the slightest.  But I believe that He honors my walk just as much as their’s.  It really kind of sat wrong on my heart today because I could picture people getting down on themselves and really, for what?  Because they don’t live in a country where they’re persecuted for their faith or because they aren’t called to a missions field that puts them in danger?

Lastly, why do some organizations find it necessary to focus on the side of Christianity that terrifies most people?  Yes, lets win them over with gloom and doom (that’ll work).  Lets make the people feel that they will need to sacrafice and lead a tortured life should they choose to follow Jesus.  Again:  Oh.  Dear.  Goodness.  Have they forgotten that along with Jesus also comes restoration, healing, abundant joy, blessing, love like you’ve never known, peace, wisdom, discernment….?  I know it’s not all fairy tales and lollipops but if a radio commercial is meant to inspire the masses what makes more sense: die for your faith or come to faith and receive the rewards of Jesus?  No, we don’t love Jesus because we get something in return, don’t mince words here, you know what I’m saying if you know me at all.

My answer to radio guy’s extremely judgemental question?  My faith gave me more than I could ever pay for it.”    Amen.