Called Crusader

The past four blogs have been all about campaigning for religious change.
Truly though, it’s more so about a change happening in our own individual heart space.
Maybe revival is more accurate, or a resuscitation of one’s heart.

Post-Christian World

We are currently living in a world of post-Christianity. Meaning Christianity is no longer the main religion.
Our society has gradually assumed culture, values, and world views that are not Christian.

We as Christians can come across as judgy and unwelcoming. (Too Cold)
However, there are also Christians out there who are too accepting and let anything fly. (Too Hot)
Firm, but Loving. (Just Right)

The way I see it: We love and accept everyone. If you aren’t in a relationship with Jesus, then you’re in a relationship with the world. And the world is a messy place. Therefore as a Christian, I am called to walk alongside you in this world, still remaining rooted in my beliefs, but here if you need me. (Loving)

Judgement

I will not judge you or tell you that your way of life is wrong, even if it doesn’t line up with what I believe.
Because what you and I believe, it’s allowed to be different.
Yet, if you come to me and you say to me you’d like to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
It is then, in kindness and love that we’d have to start assessing the way in which you live.
Saying we, because it’s important to have friends that hold you accountable in your faith walk.

If the Lord has truly called you to change your heart, you’ll want to make those changes.
This is where the firm comes in. It’s not easy, it’s not like you say I want to know Jesus, and bam instant change.
The devil is of this world, and he wants to keep you in it and will fight hard for you as you get to know Jesus.
You have to stand firm on the word of God and trust in Jesus to continue to work in you.

Jesus helps to reveal to you the layers of your heart. He helps to prune you and change your ways.
It’s not like you flip a switch and are instantly perfect. No one is perfect, and sin is never simple.

It’s not like sin disappears either, the devil will actually toss more temptation your way.
It will be beautiful and shiny, his favorite gift is the equivalent of diamonds, the perfect gift to win someone back.

We aren’t called to be part-time Christians, we aren’t called to be Jesus’s jury or let alone a judge.
Alas, we also aren’t called to be the gossip mill and we certainly aren’t called to tear others down.
All of the above can do the opposite, they can lead hearts away from Christ.

I’ve been there.

I was born and raised in the Lutheran church. I’m not a perfect Christian. We are all sinners.
No matter the weight of your sin, I am sorry if you’ve felt judged or compared to, in this life.
As someone who strayed from the faith, it took me a lot longer to find my way back to God as a young adult. Along my walk, I found people that told me I was going to hell because I didn’t follow the commandments. I have had a place that felt like home to me, a missionary field, judge me so intensely that I felt I wasn’t good enough to be a missionary.

On the flip side of that, I’ve had coworkers say nothing of the Lord, yet show me His love daily. I’ve had a small group (more than one) welcome me with open arms, walk through the mess with me, and help clean it up. I’ve had friends who are Christian who’ve held me accountable in love and kindness, and not scrunched their faces at me questioning my life choices.

We need to be living life daily on the flip side.
Reviving our hearts to let others in vs shut them out.
The only way we can do that is by first laying down our own mess.
Our own perfections, pride, judgments, and resentments.

We are called to lay down our life, pick up our cross and follow.
Giving over all of our earthly junk drawer feelings.
Giving the Lord our hearts will change our hearts for others.

Called Crusader

We are called to: Obey the Commandments.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is Love your neighbor as yourself, there is no command greater than these.

Mark 12:30-31 NIV

Nowhere in there does it say Love you neighbor, but only under these conditions…
It does say, there is no command greater than these.

Do I:

Lie?

Stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

Show Anger?

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Steal?

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.

Encourage Others?

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

The above section is found in Ephesians 4:25-32 ~ Living as Children of Light.

Think about your own walk with the Lord.
We should be reviving/resuscitating our own hearts daily, if not hourly.
Am I living as a child of light? Am I living as someone in but not of the world?
Where do I need work? Lord am I doing as you’ve asked of me?
Water me, Lord, so that I may grow.

Revival

Lord, revive my heart daily, remind me what I am here for, and help me to be present for it all. ~Amen.

Messy Grace is a great book for learning to love others while not sacrificing our own convictions.