Absurd Christian Hallelujahs

Here's a good read; Christian Devotedness.
I've never seen anyone kick against the pricks as much as i observe Christians serving their Christ. And this one thought seems to be a great lesson the church needs to learn, just as i am learning now. Security and safety are not equal to Godliness. How can we be in the will of the Master if we are only willing to serve him where we are comfortable? Wealth is not equal to Godliness. We are all aware that Joel Osteen wants us to have our best life now, but God graciously offers us our best life in eternity. So many Christians settle for a unfulfilled life, watered-down Christianity, and we all know what it sounds like, "God blessed us with a new yacht/house/Cadillac/Rolex." Not that these things are sinful or a barometer of one's heart condition, but if they are loved more than Christ... Oh, may it never be. Jesus said of a rich young man, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter the kingdom of God." (Matt 10) In the suggested reading above, Anthony Norris Groves points out that Jesus did not say how hardly shall this rich man enter the kingdom of God. Clearly, it was not a personal sin issue, it was the accumulation of wealth. wealth brings comfort, peace of mind and security. these are America's red, white and blue. Are these colors worth bleeding for, or should we follow Him who bled for our eternal security? How much more should we, without the form of deity, but only image bearers of God, be willing to die. Most Christians would die for Christ, and as Rick Holland said in chapel yesterday, 4/4/06, few Christians would be able to live in poverty, torture, or emotional turmoil. So, we are willing to die for Christ, but unwilling to live for Him. Tomorrow is Good Friday-the day my Savior died. The next thought is REVOLUTIONARY. Jesus did not give up all on the cross. He gave up all in life. He was sinless.
He washed feet.
He almost completely eliminated disease in Galilee.
He shunned temptation.
He kicked it with his disciples all the time just to see them love God more.
He smiled at children.
He made fun of the Pharisees.

He never checked out girls.
He never kicked a dog.
He never exaggerated or generalized.
He honored his mom by keeping a party rolling with some great wine.
He never faked a smile to make someone like him, yet he had crowds and crowds of people following him everywhere he went.

Jesus was a man's man. He died having truly lived. This is why his death is my highest example of life, and his wounds are filled with my hands as i constantly prove him again and again. This is why i morn His death. I embrace Him because He was willing to let the silence of death suffocate his perfect life. Oh so perfect, oh so attractive, oh so angelic.

"Jesus, I my Cross have taken
All to leave and follow thee."
~Henry Francis Lyle