When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Mark 8:34-36 NKJV)
In the 1960’s the term Jesus Freak was created to be derogatory and to reference those who live boldly for Christ. However, those who were Jesus Freaks understood that this wasn’t an insult and in 1995, a band called D.C. Talk created a song called Jesus Freak that helped followers of Christ not only recognize that it wasn’t an insult but it actually inspired people to live more boldly and desire to be recognized as a Jesus Freak.
This song, however, was a little contentious when it came out. Some believed that it lacked reverence for Christ and left Christians seeming like rabble rousing bible thumpers. The conservative christian community (of which I once was) were uncomfortable with the edgy way that this group was referring to followers of Christ. But that was almost 25 years ago, we have grown so much as a christian community since then….hahaha (a little sarcasm there ; ).
The christian community is no different from any other organization when it comes to controversy or differences in opinion, this side of heaven. It isn’t will we have issues or divisions, but rather, what is the controversy/dispute de jour (of the day).
The enemy will take issues that may even seem like matters that are of real significance or completely ridiculous, i.e. women in the church, the type of worship music in the church or the color of the carpet, because our pride requires that we be “right” and the enemy knows it and will use it to divide even the church. God even warned us about such things…(Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:23-26)
The question that we need to ask ourselves when we face situations like this is am I boldly standing for what the truth, the gospel, says or am I being legalistic, taking a stand for something that I feel is right, and of no direct relation to the gospel at all. Am I being a Jesus freak or a rigid christian?
The church, and we as Christians, get caught up in matters that distract us from the true goal in this life which is to glorify God in such a way that those who do not know Him will be drawn to Him and into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Titus 3:9)
Let’s keep our eyes on the goal, ministering to the lost and hurting in this world and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ (Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13).
I pray that we would not be distracted by “important” issues in this life, but would be completely focused on proclaiming, boldly, the gospel of Christ. I pray that we would be Jesus freaks, rather than legalistic, Christians. Let’s focus on pleasing and glorifying our Heavenly Father, while being used by Him to rescue those who don’t know Him from the penalty of their sin. After all, while we (members of the church) bicker over “issues” such as women’s rights in the church and the color of carpeting, those around us are destined for hell. Which is the more important issue, the eternal state of human souls or issues that only effect this life? (Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:12)
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and you are still destined to pay the penalty for your own sins, I pray that you would pray the prayer that is outlined on our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/). Jesus died on the cross so that we wouldn’t have to pay the penalty for our own sins, He already did it for us, we just have to say yes, to making Him the Lord of our lives and accepting the forgiveness that He offers. He loves you and desires a relationship with you. Once you have prayed this prayer, please reach out to me and let me know so that I can be in prayer for you and hopefully, help you to grow in your relationship with and knowledge of our Precious Savior – Jesus Christ.
Luv Ya!
