Oh my ‘I’s’ were dotted and my ‘T’s’ were crossed, and I was doing everything right according to my religious protocol, but, I was missing the critical focus or component.
This focus wasn’t a thing or a ritual; this component was a person. I was missing (not getting) Him.
Until he had a private conversation with me and nudged me in my thoughts with the question, I was willingly unaware of my lack.
“Phil do you like me?”
I responded to my thoughts, ” I love you, Lord.” My mind went to my life that I built around church and service. I showed up with unbridled devotion, most of the time. I led congregations in worship, and I had spent hours in preparation for teaching and imparting God’s Word.
He nudged again, “That’s not what I asked. Do you like me?”
That question changed my life. I was religiously numb and conveniently occupied. I had to answer honestly, and my honesty bothered me.
God, who came to earth to bring people to himself, was good, but I was extremely uncomfortable with a Christ who spent time with untouchables, who went into places and situations where a ‘good religious person’ shouldn’t go. He did things that had I been present, I would have blushed at or hidden from, my religion wouldn’t approve.
He lived at his pace, not swayed by anyone or anything. Ya, I didn’t like the way he rolled. He wouldn’t get into my religious box. Shame.
Great questions change lives.
This issue changed my life. Maybe it will change yours.
“Hey there nice religious person, do you like me?”
You Don’t Have to Live; You Get To!