Do you remember when you were a baby Christian? Maybe a teenager that was ready to risk it all for Jesus? Do you remember what it felt like when you did something 'bold' like take your bible to school, proudly rock your Christian band shirt, or see you at the pole? Is that still a thing? It felt good to do something that felt kinda risky for Jesus. There was something life giving about your personal victory over fear and the judgement of others. It felt like everyone was watching and you made a bold statement for the kingdom of the one you love. In reality, not many people were watching. But the Lord was watching, and these little personal victories paid dividends in your good feels as a teenager did it not?
And then you grew up. You became more...educated, professional, refined. You became a parent, a business owner, a pastor. You became dignified. And I think for some of us that is when the slow death began. I know mine did. As we get older, sometimes we tolerate ourselves a little more every year. Little justifications for our dignified...safe behavior build one upon the other. Next thing you know...your 41 and feel like its a win that you say something encouraging and kinda christiany at the proverbial water cooler at work.
In all honesty, i'm proud of myself for those water cooler victories because I have done far worse at the water cooler. I'm proud of you too. But...is it not sad? The tolerance of ourself? Under the guise of wisdom, "trusting the Spirit", loving others, we became safe and subdued. I know I did. I'm not saying those things are wrong. Just that we can use those things like a shield instead of a sword. Maybe a better way to say it is that those things can be a shield to protect our identity we're building rather than losing it.
So to my brothers and sisters out there at the water cooler. Maybe be a little reckless in Jesus name? Inject a little holy undignified behavior into your routine. If your a parent, let your kids see your reckless, silly, undignified behavior on behalf of the King. You will not regret it. I love you brothers and sisters. I might get a little holy improper this week.
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