INCONVENIENT FAITH

Christian is not a hobby nor is it a form of volunteerism, something we do during our spare time when we choose to do it.

Christianity is not a "religion."  It's not about trying to get the attention of an uncaring god and saving ourselves by following rules and rituals or being morally superior to everyone else.

Christianity is a journey of faith, a 24-7 lifestyle that is based in relationships:  a loving, active relationship with God through Jesus Christ and a loving, compassionate relationship with the rest of the human race, the whole human race.  Christ died on the cross for everyone, not just for a chosen blessed few.

Christianity is about becoming perfect in the love of Christ for God and for our fellow humans.  Christ is the epitome of God's love for us:  unearned and undeserved, unconditional, self-sacrificing. and other-centered. As Christians, it not about us; it is always about the other.

Perfection, therefore, is not saying or doing the wrong thing or never, ever sinning ourselves.  We are to become perfect in that we have surrendered our own selfishness to love as Christ does.  Loving our Creator, loving others unconditionally without judgement and not being good people but rather people who do good.  We are "chosen" not to be the elite, but to live sacrificially, being a servant, a companion, a help meet to our neighbors -- when Christ calls us and when they need us.

Christianity is inconvenient, risky and requires a continual surrender to God's will over ours.  Christians are a forgiven, loved and called people who are commanded to go out beyond the limits of our comfort zones, not when we're ready, but when God calls us.

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