Waking up and walking on

So much of life is the hum-drum, same-old same-old. We get up, brush our teeth, take a shower, eat breakfast and get in the car and head for work. We do the same job in the same way nearly every day. We go home at night and eat the same meal in front of the same television show. Wow! I have to stop writing this, I’m putting myself to sleep!

When it comes to the weekend, we mow the lawn, rake the yard and attend the same church service. We hear the same band, sing the same songs, hear the same sermons, and we ask: Is this all there is? Does being a follower of Jesus simply mean that we are steady attenders, good tithe-payers, ready and able volunteer workers in the church ministries, and obedient followers of our duly-appointed leaders.

Is the latest missionary outreach to America starting these quasi-entertainment programs in a neighborhood near you, maybe with a video multi-site offering?

It all just seems so vanilla to me. Now don’t get me wrong. I like vanilla. Vanilla is a great foundation for lots of other things, including an excellent hot fudge sundae with whipped cream and a cherry. But don’t you ever ask yourself when you are eating your scoop of vanilla ice cream: Where is the hot fudge, let alone the whipped cream and the cherry?

Where is the GOOD news about following Jesus? I know about the part where I give 10% of my income (is that before or after taxes?). But what about the part where I pick up my cross, deny myself and follow him? Just what exactly does that involve? I haven’t been to that class yet. It doesn’t actually sound like much fun.

Or how about this one:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42 NIV via Biblegateway.com)

Isn’t it about time we got out of the rut and woke up? Isn’t about time we dropped our pretenses and started following Jesus?

I heard that one is starting next week!