Are You Afraid of Jesus

As in most things in life there are two sides to this subject. It seems when we take a stand for right or wrong the lines of distinction are even stronger. While I can appreciate the things we stand for in our Anabaptist groups, I also see things I don't appreciate so much sometimes on the same subject.

I am not against our trying to hold on to tradition and culture and heritage so long as it is something that Jesus would be calling worthwhile. And that seems to be the problem. We then start to hear debate on what things really do matter in the eyes of Jesus. 

Often the people that are chasing after and pursuing the heart of Christ are also involved in helping the poor, feeding the hungry, and being a home to the homeless. Did that last phrase make you feel insecure?

And often the people that are more concerned with tradition and culture and heritage are just concerned with those things...those things become their emphasis and it doesn't get a whole lot deeper than an agenda on how to keep the world out. They become focused on insulating and protecting the children so much so the new generation hear the words of Jesus but don't get a chance to practice his teachings.

I know it is hard to admit, but I think we must be afraid to actually do what Jesus taught us we should do. After all, if we eat with sinners, it might confuse our kids. If we invite them into our homes and churches and become too friendly, our children will be influenced in the wrong direction.

What is wrong with this picture? Do we or do we not believe in the power of Jesus in our lives? Do we know what His teachings are enough so that we are not afraid when our people are exposed to falsehoods? Do we really believe the life He led is the one we are trying to follow? Do we make it enough? Why does it seem at times we feel the need to add to and explain what Jesus really meant. What are we afraid of?

 Jesus should be taken seriously. It seems like sometimes the apostles teachings are held up higher than Jesus' creed and example, yet without Jesus' teachings the apostles had nothing. Neither do we. The apostles exalted the name of Jesus above any other. Even their own ideas, hopes and dreams for their nation. That is what we must do if we want anything at all left to hand down to our children. We have to lay aside our fears of falling away, our agendas and our personal plans in order to take up our cross and follow Jesus. And that is enough. It is PLENTY enough.