Give No Offense

“Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:32

A recent tweet circulating locally is as follows:  “The two primary reasons people don’t follow Christ:  1) They’ve never met a follower.  2) They have.”

Ouch.

Mahatma Gandhi is reputed to have said to a Christian missionary:  “I like your Christ.  I do not like your Christians.  Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

And therein lays the problem facing the Church.  The world is deeply attracted to Jesus, but less than impressed with Jesus’ followers. 

As a Christian, I believe Jesus is the best hope for the world.  And while the Church has been entrusted with the witness to Jesus, I have often been disheartened by our infighting, and many times embarrassed by the words and witness of some of us who claim to be his disciples.  In the words of Pogo, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”

There are a few songs circulating with titles like, “God [Jesus], Save Us from Your Followers.”  Ouch, again.  How is it that Jesus, who exemplifies love at its best, should be surrounded by followers who have such a bad reputation?

I want to make a confession, on behalf of Jesus’ followers, to anyone who has ever been offended needlessly, who has been oppressed or judged wrongfully, and who has been alienated from the church because of the arrogance of Christians.  Perhaps it is time for Christians to engage in a period of introspection, repentance and reflection, to consider the harm we have done in Jesus’ name.  And then to engage in acts of contrition, of penitence, as a testimony to the love which Jesus embodies.  We may need more than a season of Lent.  We may need a decade.

I offer the following clip as a demonstration of  the Christian witness to Jesus at its best:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QQtfjnvdJQ

May the Spirit of Jesus continue to overcome and transform the worst of his followers.  Then, perhaps, the world might be more open to belief.

Why Jesus?

Why Jesus? 

Because he came that we might have “life to the full” (John 10:10).

Because he took time to honor children, “unless you become as a child you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

Because he refused to condemn those we think are dishonorable, “let the one who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7).

Because he had compassion for people, “when he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).

Because he could see the greatness that lived in small things, “it is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade” (Mark 4:31-32).

Because he proclaimed good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovering of sight for the blind, and liberty for the oppressed (Luke 4:18).

Because he ushered in a kingdom of justice and equity, “he hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree” (Luke 1:52).

Because he offered forgiveness infinitely, “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22).

Because he demanded everything, “take up your cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

Because he gave everything he demanded, “’it is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30).

I could go on, but I encourage you to make your own list.  I mean no disrespect to other religious traditions.  Nor do I deny the grievous errors and flaws of the historic church and so-called Christian voices out there today who make me weep with their distortions of Jesus’ message.  But still, I believe that Jesus remains the last, best hope for humankind.  If we’ll just listen, take up our cross daily, and follow him.