Mark Greens Blog

People involved in the arts want to inspire others in some way. Recently I played music at a conference in between meetings where my desire was to make an impact and touch lives with music.

Instead it was me that was inspired. Over 3 days I met people who want to make a difference in this world and in eternity.

I met a comedian who tells clean jokes and sends free DVD’s to the troops abroad (and he’s funny!)

I met a young couple with a little girl who want to leave the comforts of the US and serve less fortunate children in South America.

I met people who want to bridge the gap and improve racial relations within the church.

I met people who share the gospel with boldness and love in countries where it is not welcomed.

I met people with the conviction of telling an age old story with relevance without compromising the integrity of the message itself and this is just to name a few.

Over and over again I met people with stories of hope and dreams of inspiring others. Not perfect people, but people giving their all for what they believe. Very inspiring.

One of my favorite books is called the “BarbarianWay”.  No it has nothing to do with the cartoons. (Hanna-Barabera J )  Instead it is a book that challenges the lifestyle that many in today’s church have chosen.  It makes a clear distinction between a radical Jesus and the one we hear about today.

There are a lot of preachers & even best selling authors today that are talking about people getting rich, getting comfortable and being safe.  But I wonder: 

Have we made Christianity too easy?
 Are we really experiencing the same Jesus that began a revolution?

The biblical Jesus speaks about love, sacrifice, denying yourself, serving others and the adventure of experiencing Him. This seems like quite a contrast because it is.  

The author states that you cannot separate love and sacrifice.  I have thought about this for awhile and decided I agree. 

So if God is love then we should not be looking for the easy, comfortable life but how to take up our crosses and follow Him.

I was convicted by what I read.  I realized how self centered I have become and how I too often choose the easy way and want to quit when things get tough. 

Perhaps we have become too religious.   Is there a contrast between the religion of Christianity and the revolution that Jesus began two thousand years ago?  Is it possible to truly meet the creator of the universe and remain casual about your faith to the point of desiring money, comfort and security in this world?

What do you think?  Do you agree?  Can you relate?

I would love to hear your comments