What do you think of these two statements? They came to me on one of my morning walks this summer. While they seem contradictory or paradoxical, both are true, and chances are that many of you will recognize the truth here.
Let’s unpack this a little. I’ve mentioned before about how the nature of Christianity was radically changed by becoming the religion of empire when Constantine coopted it in 313. Constantine wanted a religion that would bind the people together with a focus on the beliefs they had in common. He wanted a way for people to feel a sense of connection and belonging to the Roman Empire, despite being spread over a broad stretch of the known Western world. That’s inherently a tribal intention.
In contrast, Jesus didn’t care about such things. Admittedly, this was because he already belonged to the tribe of Judah and the people of Israel. For him, connection was already established. Remember, he wasn’t seeking to start a new religion. Like the prophets before him, he was trying to reform an existing system. Jesus did that by inviting people to follow him.
Of course, following Jesus meant something very different 2000 years ago than it does today. Today, going to worship, reciting the creeds, and becoming a member of a congregation are all tribal activities. But Jesus didn’t care which synagogue you belonged to. He cared more about how you acted.
Following Jesus is about how we live our lives, and the life Jesus lived was very different from our own. He traveled about the countryside as an itinerant preacher. He didn’t own a home or work a steady job. He focused on caring for the individuals he encountered on his travels. That differed, depending on what each person needed. Sometimes he healed. Sometimes he spoke kind words. Sometimes he challenged assumptions, as when he told the rich young man to sell all he had and follow. Sometimes he chided leaders, but other times he took them seriously, as he did with Nicodemus.
Think about what it would take to truly follow Christ today. On this Labor Day, could you see yourself leaving your home and your job, as the disciples did? Could you sell everything and tag along after Jesus, as he asked the rich young man to do? Could you walk the streets of your city or town, engaging in conversations with whomever you met—business leader or homeless person, Democrat or Republican, Black or Brown or White or mixed-race? Would you be willing to let the Holy Spirit be in control, including where you would stay, what you would eat, and how frequently you might be able to change or wash your clothes?
As I stated, following Christ is profoundly countercultural. We seldom dare to let God’s Spirit lead and guide our lives. What would it be like to try even that, just with the “small stuff,” on a daily or periodic basis? How might you actually give that a try?
I ponder your questions we began World Day of Care for Creation, Sept.1 – Oct.4. How might I actually give that a try?
Thank you, Adeline, for making this connection with caring for creation. I’d love to learn what you choose to try and how it goes….
Peace,
Shirin
https://youtu.be/GifoWfQuaOM
And so we begin….
Thank you! Amen….
Peace,
Shirin
Yes, I can see how really following Jesus is profoundly countercultural. I would fail the test miserably, I’m afraid. I’d be like the rich young man who walked away sadly. This whole topic has been on my mind since I recently reread your blog from 2 years ago about how our charitable giving actually encourages poverty and maintaining the status quo. How do we overturn the whole society and start over?
Thank you, Aston, for your very honest response! For many of us here in the US, our richness is a challenge. I would say we can only begin with ourselves. Perhaps God will give us opportunities to encourage others to do the same (as Jesus did in his teachings, and as I do here), and our impact can grow.
Peace,
Shirin
Shirin
Since I was on vacation, I just read this. Jesus was also countercultural in that he gave women equality. They were treated as equals in all ways and many of His most profound truths were told to women first. Many women understood Him way more quickly than the disciples and He clearly enjoyed the women’s company.
Because I’m still continuing to ‘deconstruct and reconstruct’ my faith, many of the ‘things’ of organized worship don’t have the same meaning for me. I feel that God has such a mystery about Him that I’ll always be learning. The paradox of knowing and not knowing.
And finally, yes! I’m at a point where I’d sell all and follow Christ wholeheartedly!!! I really make an effort each and every day to follow the Holy Spirit’s prompts in whatever way is being asked. And let me tell you, I’ve been in some very unusual, uncomfortable situations because of it. But because God asked me to go, it ALWAYS worked out!
Blessings,
Nila
Thank you, Nila, for sharing your layered response to my post. I’m so glad you continue to deconstruct and reconstruct your faith; I think we’re all called to keep doing that, bit by bit, week by week. I also am grateful for the equality we see in Jesus and his ministry. I’m also glad that you took the risk of walking through the Good Shepherd doors way back when. I’m glad your Spirit-led risks are still working out!
with love,
Shirin