Jesus, Wimps and the Delusional

Religion is for wimps, and faith is for the weak.  Many skeptics have that perception of Christians.  And in some strange way I can't blame them.  It's ok, really.  Christianity is not going to rise and fall on skepticism, at least I don't believe so.  What I find so compelling and interesting is that many skeptics view Christians as faint hearted, miss-guided, delusional, fairy-tale believing folks.  Some think that Christians just need a crutch to get through life, and that's where their faith comes in.  It is nothing more than a coping mechanism to ease the pain and suffering.

While Christians do cling to their faith, especially during hard times, it cannot be said that at the heart of Christianity (that is following Christ's footsteps) is an easy task.  Christianity is to be a Christ follower.  A follower mimics and imitates the leader - it is to follow in the steps of someone.  While Christians may have done little to accurately follow Jesus, it doesn't mean that it is an easy task.  If anything it bodes to how difficult it can be to follow Him!  So my challenge to the skeptics: before assuming Christianity is for the weak-minded, crutch needing people, I kindly invite you to examine the life of Christ before making your final verdict.  Open up the book of John, or any of the other Gospels, and take notice of how He lived His life.  If you do you will most likely see that  Jesus taught a higher ideal that has yet to be matched.  And what Jesus taught was by no means just lip-service, for He lived what He believed and His actions often spoke louder than His words.

I will say it again, following Christ has been one of the most difficult things of my life.  While it has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, it has been tough non-the-less.  I have been spiritually crucified with Christ, and I have continually try to live in a state of dying to self. In a completely hedonistic society this no easy task!  

So is Christianity for those who need a crutch? Yup.  There are times where I am completely broken and I absolutely rely on my faith, this I do not deny.  However, most of the time I'm trying to follow Christ by denying myself in order that I might be more like Him and be more satisfied in Him.  If this sounds easy, then I invite you to join me in trying to live like Him.  Perhaps after trying follow in Jesus shoes you'll see Christianity from a whole new perspective.