Therefore, imitate God like dearly loved children. Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. – Ephesians 5:1-2
This morning is the final Sunday of a ten-week summer series I have been teaching here at Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church. The first five weeks focused on our identity as disciples (referencing my debut book, GET REAL), then the second five reframed the conversation in terms of pilgrimage (The Unmaking of a Part-Time Christian).
Today I want to bring everything together. And while I know that’s not really possible in 300 words, the following question should help. It’s one I like to pose when I’m leading a weekend retreat. Actually, it comes in two parts.
- First, and though I am sure you have heard this before it absolutely bears thinking about: “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
- The second part goes like this: “Imagine if you (the group in this room today) were the only Christians in the world. Jesus is on the Mount of Ascension and he says, “‘Okay y’all (because he’s from The South), I’m leaving what comes next in your hands. Head on back and wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit my Father has promised. But you’ve got this, right? Are we good?’ So what do you think? Is the message safe with us? Is it still Good News when it is coming from us?”
Being a Pilgrim in Progress is all about engagement, trajectory, moving forward. We cannot be followers of The Way of Jesus without being on the way.
This may sound like I’m playing with rhetoric from a speech, but consider this, “What is in the way of being on The Way?” Is anything in our way? What is keeping us from The Way?
Here’s a good question to ask ourselves, any day of the week. “Is what I plan for today the kind of journey Jesus had in mind?”
Or this prayer, “Good morning, Lord! How can I follow you more nearly today?”
How about, “Hey, Jesus? It’s Sunday; where would you like to spend the morning? What do you say? Oh, church? No kidding!”
Of course, Jesus will be with us regardless, the Lord is glad for the invitation. But when we choose to walk in His Way… Well, that is some more powerful way to live.
“Therefore, imitate God like dearly loved children. Live your life with love, following the example of Christ…” – Ephesians 5:1-2
DEREK