Google the phrase "Safety Culture" and you will find it originated after the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant Explosion in Ukraine in 1986. It is a term that has become associated with measuring work place attitudes and actions that promote a culture of safety. Obviously, we do not want another Chernobyl so "safety culture" is good when it comes to business practices. I think one could argue that the "Safety Culture" mindset even spilled over into mainstream American culture as well.
Think about it...it was not until the mid '80s that seat belt enforcement began in Ohio and growing up we would have made fun of kids who wore bike helmets. But now, in our "safety culture" my kids would think I was crazy if I suggested no seat belts and no helmets, which is a good thing.
However, if we are not careful we will tend to apply our culture's values to following Jesus. And when it comes to "safety culture" Jesus is very counter cultural. Jesus knew that the cross was waiting for him in Jerusalem and yet he intentionally went there. He knew the guards were coming to take him away and when Peter drew a sword to protect him, Jesus told him to put it away. Jesus was mocked, beaten, spit upon and killed on a cross. I am so grateful that Jesus love drove him to the cross for me and you. I am blown away by that kind of love.
I know it sounds awful, but I am OK with Jesus facing the cross for me as long as he does not ask me to do the same. The problem is Jesus says, "Anyone who would come after me must deny himself take up his cross and follow me." That is crazy talk in a culture like ours...we have insurance for our insurance...my kids wear more protection when they ride their bike than my Great Uncle had access to in WWII. In our cultures attempt to keep us safe, has it put us in danger of missing the risk of the gospel? Does our faith lack power because we are playing it too safe? Can we even have faith at all if we insist on staying where we feel safe?
Jesus says I am going to the cross, if you want to follow me then give up your right to be safe and let's pick up the cross. The cross is not a burden in life that you have no choice but to carry. The cross is a burden you don't have to carry but choose to do so in obedience to Christ for the good of others.
And right there is where the adventure with God is. When we take up the cross God calls us to, we are no longer in control. We don't have a chance of making it but by his love and strength. Its the place where we are going to die, but is also the place where we come alive. Remember, Jesus went to the cross, but he came out of the grave. I know this runs against the grain of our safety culture, but Jesus does not invite you to carry the cross just to see you die. He invites you to the cross so you can live alive like you have never lived before.
What would it mean for you to to carry the cross today? What burden of someone else is Jesus inviting you to carry for him? It will mean something of pride or time or money or something else of yours will die. But, what awaits you...the life he is trying to give you...it is so much more, so much greater than anything you could lose. So, take off the spiritual seat belt and throw away the helmet and live in the "danger culture" of even if you die, you truly live with Jesus.
2 comments:
In the book The Map by David Murrow, the author speaks fo 3 journeys that we take, the last being the journey of suffering. Chad's words empahsis that to truly follow Jesus we will suffer. Who knows what that suffering will be but suffer we will. Our faith is not one of relief of that suffering in this world, Murrow's point is that the older we get, the more suffering we are likely to experience if we are truly to follow Jesus. Reality and experience says it is painfully true. Job 13:15 Says, Thou you slay me still I will love you. The reality of following Jesus is that we will be slain, we will suffer and we will have little or no explanation as to why. It is our faith that must sustain us that God's other promises contained in Jerimiah 29:11 My plans are to prosper you and not to harm you; give us a promise that the suffering for a moment will change to everlasting joy when we enter Jesus kingdom and suffering will pass away, forever. It is so hard to achieve Paul's view that suffering is actually a gift, it is an opportunity to turn away from control and seeking of pleasure to an acceptance that the pain and suffering we experience is God's way of welcoming us into his kingdom. Lord, give me the strength and clarity of vision to "know" this level of faith.
Thank you for sharing this depth of insight, Bob. I pray this with you and for me as well.
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