I am getting this out late today because I had to take the kitty to the vet this morning – and then attempt to catch up at work. So just a short thought today.
This past weekend I was teaching some junior high boys about Ananias and Paul and how that Ananias guy was impressive risk taker. As we transitioned from a history lesson to life in the middle schools of America, they suggested the followers of the Christ had “no swag”.
The sad part is I understand what they are talking about somewhat, because as they put it sometime those that follow the Way, can be “lame”. However, there’s not much lame, in my opinion about getting out and treating others the way they should be treating. It may not be as flashy or as exciting as some other things in life, but it probably makes a much larger impact.
Personally, I think the lameness of followers of the Christ come when they stop following the man who died on a cross for an act he didn’t commit and start after the judgements and short-term visions in their own hearts. And actually I think that is what they were talking about as well.
I dunno, this one is a real brain stumper to me, and the reason I even write about it is not as much for encouragement to you, as it is to challenge you today – in two ways.
First, why do those that follow the Christ come off as lame?
and Second, are you focused on having ‘swag’ here and now, or as I told the boys, are you thinking about have “eternal swag”. ( I am not even sure what that really is, but I know that is how the followers of Christ really live.)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New International Version (NIV)
And I guess, the tertiary challenge is to think about how this next generation is thinking. I know it has stayed in my head all week so far.