What Would Jesus Undo?

 

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!  The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ~1 John 3:1

Humility isn't thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less. ~C. S. Lewis

I'm sure most of you recall the popular use in Christian circles of the WWJD, What Would Jesus Do bracelets.  In my case, it's not a bracelet, but a "charm" affixed to my key ring, one I treasure as my daughter, Sarah, gives it to me.  So thoughtful!

Two Sundays ago, Pastor Jared introduces a new series of sermons focused not on "What Would Jesus Do" but "What Would Jesus Undo?"  Huh?  Where can he possibly be going with this theme?

The idea comes from Jared's skepticism about seeing people wearing those bracelets, yet displaying anything but Christian-like behavior.  Because, as he aptly explains, behaving like Jesus does not come naturally to us humans.  After all, who among us can claim that we never think about how others perceive us; stop to help anyone in need even when it interrupts our lives; forgive quickly and often, or are willing to lay down our lives for the sake of another?

Hard questions, aren't they?  Our secular culture runs counter-intuitive to Jesus' teachings.  It values greed, envy and control, all of which is exacerbated by the lie that we can make it on our own without God's help.  This leads to lives centered on us, not on God as they should be. 

Especially in this age of social media, images of others' "perfect lives" only serve to make us feel "less-than."  We make constant comparisons.  We refuse to try new things because we imagine we might fail.  As Jared stresses to us, we mistakenly think we're simply not good enough.  This form of self-condemnation says I know myself better than Jesus does.

Our culture wants to label us, rank us, tell us that love is conditional.  In order to be the best, you have to "Be the Best."  Is that even possible?  Of course not!  There will always be someone better at what you may perceive as your best trait or talent.

But God.

Jesus willingly became one of us and willingly died for every one of us that we might be restored to a right relationship with the Father as He intended.  From Adam and Eve to the present, we have all messed up, but because of Jesus' sacrifice, we are now works in progress in the glorious process of sanctification.  If we even entertain the notion that we don't need God's help in doing this, we fall for the greatest lie of all.

Society may tell us that we have to earn love, but with God, that love is unconditional.  There is nothing we can do more or less that can alter His love and grace.

Remember, my friend, you are created in God's image.

You are His beloved child.

You are enough.

Amen!

These are the bracelets Pastor Jared made for us to take and wear.  Great way to start a conversation!