Our family has always enjoyed camping. There is nothing better than enjoying the beauty of God’s creation while being out in nature. Camping is an excellent way to get away from all the business of life while spending quality family time. Years ago, while living in the Gulf Coast of Florida, we headed-out for one of our weekend camping trips. We had settled into our camp site with our brand-new pop-up camper. If you are unfamiliar with a pop-up camper, they are part tent and part camper. The floor and majority of the roof are solid material; while the walls and pop-outs are a type of canvas (like a tent). Our pop-up was fully equipped with a roof mounted RV sized air conditioner.
It was a hot and humid Florida night, and the air conditioner was running full blast. We also had brought along a portable TV with a video player. After enjoying our evening meal and campfire, we had nestled into our comfy camper and proceeded to watch some good old family movies. Although, the air-conditioner was so loud that it was hard to hear our movie. That little TV had to be turned-up to almost full volume. After our first movie, we agreed that we would try to stay awake for another. Then it happened! That terrible, uneventful event of which will remain lodged in our memories forever. There was a voice yelling from somewhere outside in the campground. I quickly turned the TV off and said, “Did you guys hear that?” Everyone replied that they thought they too had heard something. We continued to listen but heard nothing more. Eventually, I turned the TV back on and we continued to watch our movie. Then again, coming right from outside our little camper we heard it loud and clear, “TURN THE TV DOWN…CAN YOU HEAR ME? TURN…THE TV…DOWN!”
I immediately shut off the TV and responded back across campsites with a most humble “WE ARE SORRY!” Oh, how humiliating! We had completely forgot to think about how loud the TV had gotten in order to override the roaring air-conditioner that was right over our heads. All that our tenting neighbors could hear was the blaring TV. We were so embarrassed. Upon waking up in the morning I had planned to go over to their campsite and properly apologize. Unfortunately, they had already packed-up and left. As I recount this story, I am still regretful of our inconsiderate behavior.
This story is a great illustration of how quickly we can get absorbed in what we are doing, while failing to see how it may appear from the outside. Sometimes these are good things—things we duly enjoy. These activities may even be justifiably righteous, moral, and could be classified as ministry. Yet with these same things, we fail to recognize that from another person’s perspective it may not only be annoying, but it may even make them angry. I’m wondering if we are setting a good example. Being courteous and respectful keeps a door open for good communication (see Prov 16:24, 18:19, Titus 3:2). We definitely were not setting a good example as courteous campers that night.
Is this a big deal, or am I just making a mountain out of a mole hill? All humor aside (by the way I love humor and I find it is often a way in which God speaks), the Bible says that we should conduct ourselves in a way which is worthy of the gospel of Christ (see Phil 1:27). Why is that so important? As Christians we are all called to disciple people “Go ye therefore into all the world and make disciples.” This is actually commanded by Jesus. What then does a disciple look like and how do they disciple others? I believe the answer to that is by understanding who Jesus is, and what did He demonstrate while he walked this earth as our example. Jesus is after all—perfect theology.
Everything Jesus did stemmed from His love toward others. He walked and talked with people. He got involved in their lives. He had empathy for others and healed people both physically and emotionally wherever He went. The Bible says that He is our example (see John 13:15), and the cornerstone on which we are to build our own lives upon (see Eph 2:20-22, 1 Peter 2:4-8).
Living a life that shows genuine love for people and is actively involved in others’ lives is what I refer to as lifestyle Christianity. This is what Jesus emulated to us. Listen, although our culture today is teaching us to be very tolerant of people of other faiths and religions. Many of your neighbors and co-workers are actually turned-off by Christians and Christianity. Why is this? The Bible has overwhelmingly been proven to be accurate. Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection are Biblically and historically documented as truth. Yet, when many people think of Christianity there is all too often an association with someone or something negative. In-turn, these associations keep them at arm’s length from knowing their loving Savior. Friends, this bothers me to no end! Why? Because they have seen poor examples of the true love of Christ. It has turned them away from the love and relationship of Jesus Christ, when it in-fact is the only thing that will truly satisfy their desires in life.
How many of us have at one time or another got so caught-up in our own lives, our own projects, hobbies, and yes—even ministry, that we don’t take the time to be involved in other people’s lives? What’s more, how many of us have talked the talk but not truly walked the walk in living out true Christian love. Listen, those who are outside looking in often portray Christians simply as those who don’t do this, or don’t do that. The “Christians” have their own slogans or “club words.” They dress different, sing different, and don’t have fun. And by the way, they just want to get me “saved,” so I can start giving their church more money.
I realize I’m being very blunt, but I am as well keeping it very real. If you are a fellow brother or sister in Christ, can we all just try to be more real and genuine in our Christian walk? Let’s be concerned about how we the church look like from the outside looking in. Are we truly showing love and concern for others? Are you being real—yourself—the unique way that God created you and your personality, or are you just talking the talk, putting on the bumper sticker, and living a life of religious rules, while somehow hoping that those things will attract others to follow you? I believe these are the types of people Jesus actually rebuked.
The Holy Spirit is the one who puts the desire of God into the heart of every person. His job and His work and how He does that is entirely up to Him. However, we have to understand that God’s conduit of love to people is through us. Lifestyle Christianity is meant to be loving, real, and contagious. If we are genuine in our faith and truly show love toward all people, we will show them Jesus THROUGH our lives.
In my book The River, God prophetically showed me a church that had slipped so far back into their own religious activity, that they lost touch with their own community. The church was physically and communicatively detached from the rest of the city. In the end, the church building was completely destroyed by a mighty flood. The flood of course represented a mighty move of God’s Holy Spirit. When this mighty move came, the church was so inwardly focused that they completely missed-out on God’s outpouring.
Friends, don’t let anyone tell you that how we act, what we say, and what we do in life is entirely your own business. We represent Jesus Christ. Let’s get real and show the love of Christ in and through our lives. Let’s take lifestyle Christianity seriously by remembering that things don’t always look or sound (such as the case of our camping blunder) the same from the outside looking or listening in.
If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ today, I want you to know that He loves you and has an incredible plan and purpose for your life. Please don’t be put-off by the words or actions of those who may have turned you away from seeking God. Listen, none of us are perfect! Don’t let imperfect people stand in the way of a perfect Savior. Additionally, there are far more truly loving and caring Christians in the family of God, than those who may have turned you off in the past. Don’t let your excuses hold you back from finding true peace and joy in life that will literally last for eternity. I promise you, a life with Jesus Christ is the life you have been waiting for.
Also, I want to encourage you to think big. God’s Word teaches us that He can do much more than what we can dream, think, or imagine (see Eph 3:20). God wants to use you in a big way, and bless you in a big way! You are meant to be the light of the world (see Matt 5:14). So, do as my father-in-law, John would say… “LYLS” (Let your light shine). Today is the first day of the rest of your life, and with Jesus in your heart you have the opportunity to be a conduit of His love. Live life from the inside…out!
Blessed by the Best,
Mark
See You in the River 