In case you didn’t know

I was challenged pretty hard this past Sunday (August 20, 2017). Kind of a big Good golly, Miss Molly.

Those who know me personally understand, at least in some measure, where I stand spiritually. And those who have read my words have a good idea which spiritual house is home to me, even if you aren’t sure of all the furnishings and doo-dads.

But understanding a little or having an idea is not enough. So, it’s high time I make it clear, so y’all really know. For sure.

I recently wrote about getting out of the boat, getting brave, and taking some chances against the wind and waves. Here’s a snapshot…

I’m more and more convinced that Jesus made the foundations of Truth pretty simple and pretty clear. He said…

… “I am the Way, the Truth, the Life.” (John 14:6)
… “Love Me with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” (Luke 10:27)
… “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:33)

After hearing the inspiring words this weekend, there’s no question – I got some ‘splainin’ to do.  Why are these my Truth? my Non-negotiables? my Essentials?

I’ll just jump in… Jesus said He is the Way, Truth and Life.

I’ll start with Jesus. God as man, born to a virgin by immaculate conception. He lived for 33 years on earth. Thirty of them as an unidentified, un-miraculous, and seemingly ordinary man. He then revealed himself. For three years He walked the talk and, because He told the Truth, He was crucified. He was buried and miraculously rose from the grave, conquering death…

His death, paying the penalty for the rotten, lousy, crummy, unholy sins I’ve committed in my life. His return, leaving evil in the dust.

And because I believe without a single doubt He did it for me, I’ll meet Him in Heaven the moment after I die.

To continue…

• Jesus is the Way to God the Father, to Heaven, to eternal life in a paradise none of us can imagine. You see, I believe there is a Hell and, even though I’m not sure it’s a literal place of fire, I’m positive I don’t want to find out first hand. I want to spend forever with Jesus who loves me, not the Devil who definitely does not.
• Jesus is the Truth. I believe that the Bible is the Word of God, breathed by the Holy Spirit and written by men who got it right because of Divine intervention. And Jesus, who is God, spoke only words of truth. If He said it, it’s right and true. Do I always like it? or understand? Do I think that some people quote His words to get their own nasty way? You bet I do. But that is their problem, not mine. Jesus spoke Truth.
• Jesus is the Life. Circle back to the life of Jesus and “the Way”. Just a reminder: we’re talking eternal life in Heaven.

Then there is Love me with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. I don’t think that takes much explanation. But it may be that a refresher course would help. In order to really love someone, you have to be devoted to them to the point of sacrifice. For the suffering Jesus endured for me, I owe Him at least a little in return. Like having difficult conversations with people who really disagree with me. Or speaking up about Him and His love when it’s just as easy to stay quiet while the non-Believers have the floor. Like getting brave.

And then Love your neighbors as yourself. My lovelies, this may not be the most difficult of the non-negotiables, but it is often very painful and not so appealing. When He speaks of “neighbors”, He doesn’t mean those who live in my neighborhood who look like me, have a job, and behave themselves. He’s talking about my neighbors on Earth. All of them. He – thankfully – does not ask me to like them all. Just love them. And pray for them. Yowzers.

There’s no doubt I’ve forgotten some key information or confused you. There is really so much more to the story.

So, I guess you’ll have to comment or call or write to me and we’ll start a conversation. It may take a while for us to get all the words out. To really hear each other and understand the why’s of our faith. To listen and not just wait for our turn to talk. Just listen. It will require some coffee.

For now, I’ll bake the cookies and get ready to show you around the house. You’re welcome anytime.

I got some ‘splainin’ to do. How about you? Click to Tweet