Something I've really been mulling over for the past week is how to convey to people what I believe--but at the same time, keep it amazingly simple. Generally speaking, Christians have an enormous fear of sharing their faith with non-believers. Honestly, I haven't ever seen it as my mission to go "Jesus-jam" others with a fanatic belief system that will have them falling on their knees and repenting within seconds of talking to me. The way I want others to come to Jesus is by seeing my life--the way I live it--and then finding themselves wanting what I have.
I recently found myself in a group setting with believers as well as non-believers. The topic was gaining our spiritual athority, but it somehow got off on a rabbit trail about the ten commandments, following all of the laws and stipulations, using the Bible as a filter for our lives, casting out demons, etc. For any non-believer (and some believers!) that can be completely overwhelming. I found myself literally hurting for those who were left so far behind--some were still hovering in the beginning of the whole conversation. After all, it felt like the Bible was being presented as a big book of "no-nos, don't dos, stay away froms, and thou shalt nots." Not a good way to shine His light in the dark if you ask me.
How is it that we are supposed to want others to live a glorified, spirit-filled, wonderful life when all they see or hear is a bunch of religious, law-following nonsense?
Here is how I feel about it in a nutshell: I believe in the one true God--that there are 3 parts to him--Father, Son, Holy Spirit. If I choose to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me and through me, then I have no choice but to follow the ten commandments. It's not about living under condemnation or the law (Jesus came to fullfill the law, thus allowing grace to take over), it's about doing what God asks of me. It's not about a formula for success with tithing or giving. It's about listening to what He has to say and directing the money He gives me to the places where it can be used the most--by Him. It isn't about being a Bible beater--one that sits on a street corner and screams to the public that they are all going to hell if they don't repent right now. It's about forming relationships and showing the love of the Father at all times, even when it isn't easy. I want to lift up a voice (or in my case an instrument as well) of praise to Him who supplies all of my needs AND wants. It's about trusting that He has a better plan for my life than I do, even when things aren't going the best.
I don't think it can be any simpler than that. Of course, as you become a more mature Christian, you will figure things out and be able to take territories, cast out demons, etc. That is revealed with time, understanding, and knowledge. Yes, I believe that those are great benefits to being His child, but that isn't for everyone to grasp--especially when what they are seeking is answers and love. Basically what I'm saying is that I'm tired of non-believers running from Christians because of the massive amount of crap we put on them and not only expect them to believe, but to swallow at once. Can't we just keep it simple?
Of all things, I want to share this with those who want to know what the best way to live is:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40
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