Just love each other

Large, captivated crowds. People hanging on his every word – some in awe and some in anger. Rowdy children laughing, playing, complaining to mom they are bored or hungry or both. Hopeful parents pressing through the crowd desiring for this man to touch and bless their squirming child. Meanwhile the disgruntled followers of this up-and-coming leader are shooing the kids away in annoyance. But then…

Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children."

Are you doing what I find myself doing? Are you glazing over because you’ve heard this a thousand times? Well, don’t! Jesus just shared something of colossal significance. Take notice.

The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are LIKE THESE CHILDREN. Uhhh…what are they like because I wanna belong!

Well, I could talk about how children naturally trust people and accept differences in others. Or that children are teachable and eager to learn – and they are amazingly quick to forgive. But one of the most endearing and fun attributes of a child to me is their tendency to take things literally.

Eliza is the precious 3-year-old daughter of my friend, Jamie. Eliza knows how to cut-to-the-chase and not spend precious time messing around with bothersome details. She listens to instructions – and does exactly what she is told. Take a look at her bunny maze.

It makes so much sense, doesn't it?! Eliza reminds me of a sweet lamb following her Shepherd. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. (John 10)
Now if only I could do the same. If only I were so quick to follow the clear and literal instructions of my Shepherd instead of trying to cut corners or veer off in the wrong direction - leading to a dead end. For example, Jesus literally means it when he says:

Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. - John 13

When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. - Ephesians 4

Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them destroys them. - Proverbs 19

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. - Romans 12

This list could go on and on, right? But I prefer to keep things simple. And if I take it literally when my Shepherd says "love each other," the rest of the details will fall into place. As a child who belongs to his Kingdom, I'll keep striving to follow his clear and literal instructions. Love each other. Can't go wrong with that.

Christian-ish or Christ Follower?

Calling myself a Christian in America seems almost meaningless anymore. It's not a strong enough statement in this present culture. Everyone and their brother claims to be "Christian." I recently heard someone describe himself as "Christian-ish." The fact is, there's no such thing.

I am a Christ follower. As a Christ follower, I truly FOLLOW Christ and believe his every word. He affects every part of my life. Just as a marriage relationship is entered into with two devoted, loving participants...so it is in a relationship with Jesus. I continuously pursue a thriving relationship with him (and he with me!) and over time, I become an imitator of the One I am in a relationship with. He rubs off on me! (Try and tell me your spouse or best friend hasn't rubbed off on you in one way or another.)

There were times when Jesus was unabashedly confrontational, not with "sinners" who flocked to him because they knew they needed saving, but with the "religious" who were full of arrogance and pride. Sadly, "American Christianity" is something contrary to true Christianity. As David Platt has said, "We make [the gospel] look like us and fit into our lifestyle instead of adjusting our lifestyle to the gospel. In the process we make following Jesus more American than it is biblical."

What Jesus says to the church in Sardis he can say to us, “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief."

As Christ followers, we need to be sure we are AWAKE to the spiritual battle that rages around us. We need soft, pliable hearts – willing to repent and turn back to the God who made us and loves us. As any spouse or friend knows, there is plenty of need for repentance in relationships. Thankfully, we have a more-than-willing Savior ready to forgive, restore, and continuously make us NEW.

So…are you a Christ follower?

Filled Up with Grace

Below is a journal entry I wrote to my children November 12, 2010.

Jensen & Noelle,

I remember when you were Lauren's age - and just like she does now - you pretty much thought I was perfect. Then around age 11 or 12, Jensen began pointing out things that I would do wrong. And I recall being sad that the magical days of childhood "when Mom was perfect" were over! Obviously you know now that I never was, and someday Lauren will know, too.

To Jensen, Noelle, & Lauren: it's good to KNOW and ADMIT you aren't perfect. Perfect people don't have a need for Jesus. I need him more than I need anything else! I pray that you will always see others through eyes of GRACE. Sometimes it may be very hard to do. In those times, remember that you owe God a debt you can NEVER, EVER repay - and the gratitude you feel and the love you feel for Jesus will fill you up with grace for others.

I love you, Jensen. I love you, Noelle. I love you, Lauren.