If you’re any kind of person my age the headline above will make you start singing the hit by Third Eye Blind. For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, just go with me. The song itself has some lesser than wholesome lyrics (I never realize these things until years later upon reflection) but there’s a key line in there that says, “I want something else, to get me through this…” and then combine that with the song title and you have the perfect ingredient for a Christian Life.
Odd, I know. When I talk about Faith and all the stuff believers have a strong understanding I have to take it outside the Christian bubble of “Church Language”. The greatest mistake anyone makes is going out there to make someone convert to Jesus. Can’t be done. You can show them the way and give them the idea. Planting a seed works. Yet the choice rests with them. And it is a big decision.
All through high school I would never outwardly preach my faith. I would walk as closely as I could to God and did retain the nickname as a “Jesus Freak” for a few years. My car even was labeled, “The Jesus Mobile”. One friend even went so far as to suggest that I mount a big ole’ wooden cross on the front hood to make a bigger point. Of course he was laughing when he said this and I laughed along with him but it brought us together. It gave me something to have with him in those moments. We could have conversations about faith, about mine and his. And it was never a bible thumping spirit drilling ordeal.
Which brings me to James Chapter Two. Throughout The Bible there are many constant words and phrases that pass from pen to paper from prophets and disciples. One is Mercy. Another is judgment. Those two words are very hot buttons with people outside The Church (and even inside at times). You see many people on the outside are oft to proclaim us all miserable hypocrites and miscreants judging from a high cliff of superiority. Well, given experiences I and others have had at the hands of my fellow Brothers & Sisters In Christ, I would agree on all points.
The trouble begins when this generalization is spread to all believers and followers of Christ. Which is a logical fallacy (been waiting to use that phrase) and just bone brain dumb (made that one up). It’s the same argument of, “If everyone did it, would you?”. The reality is that it is our humanity coming out from within our skin and making what amounts to a crass judgment…something we as Christians are accused of daily.
You see? The logic is like the movie, “Groundhog Day”. It’s just the same accusation they lay at our feet…could be delivered (or thrown depending on the mood) right back at them. But that would not be…wait for it…the Christian Thing To do.
And this first part of chapter two urges us to follow God’s commands. Love the poor. Follow the laws of God and commands given to us. Love your neighbor and that n word can mean down the way, across the state line and even halfway across the world. God really did write some great stuff for us, didn’t he? I love getting into this stuff and writing about it. I am such a God Nerd.
What the basics of this section are is, “Don’t be hypocrite.” Don’t judge. Show mercy. Grant grace. I’ve slowly adopted this in life. People have wronged me in the past and I’ve wronged people myself. For those that have wronged me I’ve done my best to avoid the Path of the Grudge…and dealt mercy instead. Have I always done that?
If my answer was yes, you’d need to call in the android destruction squad. I ain’t perfect and neither is my english. So no, I’m not great at applying this to everyone. Again…I am a hypocrite. I admit readily. The difference is that I am a Reformed Hypocrite. I know the errors of my ways and will be pushing myself to not be that guy who pushes someone away from the church because I throw down the H card.
Is this going to be easy? Nope. But nobody said it be easy or fair. Such is the way of life. I’m getting better at turning over the wheel to God and living according to Him. That’ll take time. But at least I’m trying.
Until tomorrow…
