Discovering The Way, The Truth, and The Life - Christ's call for us to be different

The earliest Christians were called "Followers of the Way" which indicated that they not only made a profession of their beliefs but, they lived in a manner that reflected those beliefs. In other words, their daily lives were their testimony of their convictions, which was modeled for them by Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, who authored much of the New Testament, used the term "The Way" as is documented within the book of Acts. Jesus Christ himself not only asked people to believe in him but, to follow him. He did this when he first met those who would be his disciples to indicate how they were to leave their former lives and start anew. He even referred to himself as "the way, the truth, and the life". The Way wasn't merely an evacuation plan into the next life but, also a transformation plan for the current one (I think it was Brian McLaren who said that). The message was/is clear: We are supposed to be different. Distinct from those around us. Not because of what we say but, by how we live.

Much of what Jesus taught is captured in how he lived out Holy Week or the days leading up to his crucifixion on Good Friday. It was a series of events that was the ultimate demonstration of living the Way in service, forgiveness, and self-emptying. There is more but, you get the idea - Jesus was and is the way and he showed us how to live. This means that there are not only lessons, but expectations for his followers packed into the week leading up to Easter and the rest of his life. Jesus was also really clear on the expectations when he said things like: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" or "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.". The other similar directives he gave us, the parables he told, and the stories of him go on and on. They all point to the way.

Generally, the world doesn't love its enemies nor deny itself. This is especially evident in the current political discourse. The following is far too often the case: We are really most concerned about our own opinions and believe that others have little to teach us. The idea of challenging ourselves to think differently escapes us because we are most comfortable with maintaining the status quo and less interested in gaining new perspectives. We insist on being heard rather than listening because we want to educate others on our point of view rather than us having to take the risk of gaining new perspectives. We are quick to label others (i.e. liberal, conservative, democrat, republican, left, right) instead of respecting them and their uniqueness. We command respect but, have little time to show love and respect for others (this is especially true if "the other" lives different, looks different, or believes different than we do). We are more concerned about our own lives than helping or lifting others because it's easier to blame others for their circumstances as this approach alleviates us from responsibility. We insist that others compromise instead of offering ourselves to compromise. We are overwhelmingly more concerned about protecting ourselves and our possessions than in protecting or aiding others. We are quick to anger when we feel that we are being encroached upon instead of being patient and forgiving.

Obviously, these things aren't true for everyone. But, how many of these things could just as easily be said of Christians? We already know that much of society has lost its way because Christians talk about it all the time. We say that God has been taken out of the schools and government, etc. We say that society is declining. But, the truth is that many of today's Christians live largely the same lives as the rest of world. We are not often distinctive in the way we live... not really. Certainly not like those early believers. In fact, It is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish believers from non-believers.

A pastor friend of mine told me the story of his first assignment as a senior pastor of a church. The church was a different denomination than his seminary so, he asked the natural question: "what do you believe?". The answer he received helped convince him that he was making the right decision. They simply answered: "Come see the way we live!". That must've impacted him deeply because he's been a pastor within the same denomination for over 40 years now. He believed then as he believes now: the mark of a Christian is the distinct manner in the way they live their lives. Note: this man and his wife have modeled the way of Christ in ways I can hardly comprehend. They once provided a room in their house for a convicted murderer to help him get back on his feet. They did the same for a pregnant drug addict. These may not be the calling of every Christian but, they provide a beautiful example of transformed hearts and the belief in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Changing the tone of our discourse and how we treat others should be easy by comparison.

Along with our worship, the days leading up to Easter provide a great opportunity to reflect on a life well lived; the life of Christ who modeled the Way and is the Way. This week doesn't need to serve as a measuring stick where we judge ourselves on whether we can live up to the unattainable. We all fall short and understand that we will continue to do so. But, certainly we should challenge ourselves in some manner to be different than the world around us and more like the Christ we follow. Jesus Christ's service, forgiveness, self-emptying and love of enemy offer an excellent place to begin. Let us all pray that, by living the Gospel, we can be seen as a beacon to the world that a different way is possible. Let us encourage others to be different than those around them... but, only by first doing so ourselves. Peace.