HeartQuest 101

One of the themes in the book I am reading (unChristian) is that Christians put too much emphasis on converting people to their way of thinking. This is a barrier to many people on the outside of the Christian faith.

Think about it, how do we react when the Mormons or the JW’s come to our door? We usually say exactly the same thing! “They’re looking to convert people to their religion” or “I just don’t want to talk with them, I don’t want what they’re selling.” Just as I would never take their invitation to consider their religion seriously, why would I think anyone would do the same when I knock on their door “peddling the truth?” (That is in quotes because do not all religious groups claim to have the truth?). The barrier is that there is no relationship established.

One story in the book was about a guy that moved across the country to NYC. He met another guy in town and they had a good conversation. The New Yorker was friendly, something the guy from out west did not expect. Eventually the Christian guy from NYC invited the newcomer to a Bible study. When he said, “no thanks” he never heard from the Christian guy again.

Wow, that sure emphasizes a negative side of Christians! Are they looking for the next convert; a notch on their conversion belt? Or are they genuinely interested in people?

I was on a business trip to China when I found a fellow believer who was teaching in a school in Shanghai. She told me a fascinating story about her work, the children, the city and the new friends she had met since arriving in town. Since it is not illegal to be a Christian, she would tell her friends (in the normal conversations of life) that she was a follower of Jesus. One new friend said, “You only want me to believe like you do.” The teacher corrected her and said, “I want to be friends whether you believe like me or not.” Great answer!

I’m convinced that Christianity is more caught than taught; living a life that honors God and hope that people see our sincere love for God shining through. Hopefully in the normal conversations of life, we will find opportunities to put in a good word for Jesus, not because we want to convert people, but because it is hard to keep silent about the greatest thing that has ever happened to us!

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Look around at the Christians you may know. How would you define what a follower of Jesus really looks like? Perhaps your list looks something like this: 

• Careful student of Scripture
• Zealous and active in their stand for God
• Appetite for worship and prayer
• Consistent in worship attendance
• Practices Scripture memorization
• Not afraid to pray in public
• Active in the local church
• Fasts and tithes regularly
• Has desire to stand against blasphemy and ungodliness
• Has firm grasp of basic foundational theological truth

For a long time I thought this is what would honor God and help me become more like Jesus. But look again; these are behavior traits not of Jesus’ disciples, but of His chief opponents, the Pharisees. 

I’m convinced that real-life discipleship (becoming more like Jesus in character and attitude) is what happens between the gathering times at church. What are people like at home, at school, in the lunchroom, in the office, on dates, at parties, in the locker room, in the boardroom, on the computer, or the after-school job? What are they like when no one is looking? Do they demonstrate unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, concern for others, kindness, servanthood? 

Real-life discipleship is also marked more by footprints than by monuments. For me, discipleship focuses on long-term commitments rather than a one-time decision to “accept Christ.” It is forward motion, a journey, a marathon. People may look at imperfection and failures of so-called Christians, but remember that the word disciple means learner, not expert. 

Basically, what we need is to develop what I call a firsthand faith. This is not faith inherited from parents, or Sunday school teachers or the pastor, but we take ownership of our own faith. Once faith becomes firsthand, it transforms into a conviction that will not be swayed by competing worldviews or other religions. Is there little wonder why teenagers often leave the faith when they leave home, or graduate God after they graduate high school?

The church must stop trying to cram our bags with only the right beliefs and make us carry it because they said so. Rather, use questions and strategies that help people unpack the baggage they’ve been carrying. Re-examine the faith they have and discover why it’s in there.

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Inspired by our friends down at the Wittenburg Door I wanted to see what type of insight and creativity might come from our Wordpress community. Think of things that Jesus would not say…

1. Oops.
2. That never occurred to Me.
3. Do you know the way to San Jose?
4. Finders keepers, losers weepers.
5. If you have sinned only a little, cast the first stone.
6. Best two out of three?
7. Don’t stop to help, we’re late for church.
8. Well, I suppose it’d be OK. But just this once.
9. What’s the matter with you guys? Can’t you take a joke?
10. How long must I put up with you? (no, wait, He did say that).
11. You’re not the boss of me.
12. Do they want red or white wine?
13. Do you want fries with that broiled fish?
14. Maybe I should write this down.
15. I’m pretty good at division, but I’m great at multiplication.
16. Broadcast into all the world and make giving units.
17. Peter, sometimes you’re such a poopy head.
18. How the heck should I know why fools fall in love?
19. Would you consider giving me half the kingdoms of the world if I fall down and worship you for, say, ten minutes?
20. Just between you and me, I walked because I don’t know how to swim.
21. Blessed are the … are the … um …
22. If anyone desires to come after Me, let him attend church, pass an offering plate and follow the pastor.
23. What in My name is going on in here?
24. Has anyone seen my keys to the kingdom?
25. The choir is so much better now that Tammy Faye is here.
26. I’m not riding into town on that donkey.
27. I have to buy a new suit for Easter.
28. How many more of these seals do I have to break?
29. Judas, am I not worth more than only 30 pieces of silver?
30. Do I look fat in this robe?
31. What Would I Do?
32. How many angels really can dance on the head of a pin?
33. Happy holidays.

What about things Jesus WOULD say today, like…

1. A-Rod wants how much for 10 years?
2. No, Benedict, you can’t exchange a beer stein for the wine chalice.
3. See, this is what happens when you make Me illegal in America.
4. I don’t believe in atheists, therefore atheists don’t exist.
5. “What we have here, is, failure to communicate” (Cool Hand Luke).

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