Is Jesus Safe?

This blog is about my journey- as the title implies. Herein, I write about lessons I've learned, my experiences, mistakes I've made, ideas I have, questions I wrestle with and my dreams. I am a spiritual person, so it should be no surprise that God and religion are often the topics here. So I ask, "Is Jesus ever safe to talk about?".

The answer is a resounding "NO". Jesus is a highly controversial character:

1) He isn't safe for the unbeliever because after hearing about His love and the way He reached out to ALL people, they may find themselves feeling inclined to be like Him.
2) Jesus is not safe for many believers, because He is so radically different than many of the teachings we are raised with. If we study His life with an open heart, He will shake even the most devoted & sincere person to the very core of what they believe.
3) Due to the reputation many churches have given Christianity, in today's world, mention the name 'Jesus' and immediately you are written off as a fake, a goody-goody or someone who is going to judge.
4) In some countries you will be killed for believing in or speaking about Christ.

Jesus wasn't safe back in His time and He isn't safe today. He taught love and mercy, while others were teaching regimens. He showed the love of God while others were presenting God as vengeful and exacting. He taught simple lessons in a complicated religious culture. He emptied the temple of those who were there- not to worship God in humility, but who made an appearance to further their own agendas and line their own pockets. To quote CS Lewis, "Jesus Christ (Aslan) is not safe, but He is good". Stranger still, He is a dividing force that unifies.

I'm excited to find a growing number of individuals are coming together in the name of Jesus Christ. They don't see eye to eye on every theological or political idea, but it doesn't matter because they have been humbled and don't have to have everything their own way. They are not afraid to examine themselves in the light of Grace, to confess their weaknesses to one another and be real. These people would give you the shirt off their backs and you feel comfortable around them because they won't judge you for being a sinner. (They understand we're all sinners- no matter how much we know or how hard we try.) Mingle with this community and you will not find perfection, but you will find a passion for loving others and a place where you can be yourself. People are hungry for love, for tangible hope in a world of bombs and tsunami's.

This blog is about love, not hatred. Hope in the midst of desparaging circumstances. It's about freedom, not censorship and listening for the Voice of God above the voices of people. It's about living life to the fullest under the welcoming smile of God. Sometimes my views may step on toes. It is not my purpose to stir up angry debates or to condemn anyone here.