Living in perspective

Just thinking. Recently I have seen and read where a couple of people refer to Jesus' actions as the default for how they do ministry, or what they do in life.

Now even after typing that, it sounds like I'm a moron for not saying that is right on. And I'm not saying that in practice it isn’t. Here's my thought: when I read something for example about how Jesus did not preach in an expository style, therefore we shouldn't; I have to wonder.

It is true that Jesus used stories to share his message. And it is true that "story" is one of the most effective forms of communication. In fact, most cultures are built on the ability of its elders, leaders, or whomever it may be' ability to tell a story. So the issue isn't there. The thought is this: Jesus was and is the Word of God. Though he might not have gone vs by vs through the Old Testament to share his message...he kind of was and is the vs by vs. On top of that, his being a man on earth was in a way the writing of the vs by vs of the New Testament. He knew the scriptures, not just had it memorized. He didn't just have an opinion on what it meant. He was it. He knew its intent. He was its intent.

Whether it is free style preaching, offending the religious or whatever Jesus "did"...I think we need to be careful in adapting that as a blind method for what we do. We're flawed, and have a flawed morality - Jesus didn't! If the word of God is his primary way of communication to us, should we not seriously consider that we need to stick close to it? Like so close that it is guiding our conversation...our story?

If we don't primarily want to share from what God is saying and in context communicate how that is shaping our story...then do we need to ask whose story we're telling?

True, Jesus hung out with the reprobates and outcasts. However, his character and morality was one that was set and unchangeable. By all means reach the lost...but too often I've seen the mindset of "Jesus liked to party with sinners, don’t be so legalistic" as a root for a person justifying their actions almost inevitably being the demise of a person’s morality rather than a winning of any lost soul.

Jesus is our model. He is what we should strive to be. We have to however, have in perspective that he was perfect, and we're not. Our flawed morality, weak faith, and sinful nature put us in dependence of Christ. Through the Holy Spirit’s leading we communicate his story, live his life...but we must never forget our dependence on Him to do so. His (Christ's) ability to challenge the religious, share from his heart, etc...were based on his being perfect!

So, we should share from the heart. Use “story” to tell the message of Christ. But it needs to be his story, not yours. You’re a part of his story. Not he yours. If expository preaching helps you to keep that in perspective then it is a strength not a dated method. No matter how you communicate God’s word from the pulpit, make sure he is the subject. His word, keeps you on him.

Befriending the lost is something we should do, but remember his being in that environment was different than you being there. He had no desire to do evil - you do! You better be prayed up, and ready to lead others to Christ. The moment they’re leading you, you need to have the control to leave!

I guess what I’m wrestling with is that; it is a fine line between our attitude in pursuing Christ…and an attitude that communicates something completely different. An almost feeling of equality. He did, so I can - isn’t accurate at all. He did, because he is. We do, because of him.

Our knowing that we are always dependant and weak is something we always have to keep in front of us. The life he lived isn’t a pass to be free. It’s a perfect picture to strive for.