Poser

The dictionary wasn't much help this morning.
Poser (noun): One who poses for photography or artwork. 

Well, that's not exactly what I was thinking.  I was thinking more like fake, imitator, or someone who pretends to stand for something, but really doesn't.  I was reflecting this morning about how young people can spot a poser (not someone actively posing for a photo- even we adults can spot that!) a mile away.  They know when someone is being fake or putting up a front, and they'll call you out.

God recognizes a poser too.  As I read through Luke 14:33 and Matthew 7:21-23 again, I take pause and take stock of my faith and the reality of my faithlessness sometimes.  Our small group began reading Radical, by David Platt. It is not an easy read, and in fact I've read the first few chapters several times. Re-reading doesn't make the text easier to swallow; I've been chewing on this for weeks. Christ is calling us out through His words in Luke and Matthew.

Jesus is all the Bible says He is, and He's done miracles for me personally. He has changed my heart and my life in ways I could never have imagined, so I've really been convicted (in a great and Godly way) about areas of my life that do not represent God well. I question whether I am taking Christ seriously.

I sometimes get blank stares from the youth I know
when I pose the following question:

"What does following Christ really look like?"

Big question, right? I struggle with that question too. If they see only part of God's truth, and if all they know is obedience-- do this but don't do that; and hear talk about following without consistent modeling; and  know only a loving God, how will they learn to rely on Him and allow God to change their heart? God is love, and He is at the same time a God who hates Sin. Without understanding the gift of grace and why Jesus died for us, it is just words, and Christ can't help them through real-world struggles. That is true for all of us. 

Back to Radical and a question I've been thinking and praying about: how am I modeling profound devotion to Christ? I don't want to be a poser. There is urgency in living a life for Christ.  The reward is knowing God. Personally knowing God. The reward is seeing others personally know God.

I felt empty last night after we shared prayer requests at church. I know that praying with the girls is amazing, and them truly praying for themselves and others is divine because God knows their hearts and hears each prayer. But when they feel alone, hurt, and angry and are without Christ, I grieve. I think they recognize Him, but not His amazing power for healing, comfort and peace. I've been there and it isn't a good place to be, it's dark.  So do I feel like a poser? No, Yes, Sometimes. In that order. Do I want to? No, No, No. In that order.  I am prayerful that I can reach people for Christ because it really matters. They really matter.

I'll leave you with words from David Platt's book:
"Indeed, the cost of nondiscipleship is great. The cost of believers not taking Jesus seriously is vast for those who don't know Christ and devastating for those starving and suffering around the world.  But the cost of nondiscipleship is not paid solely by them. It is paid by us as well."

I am still wrestling with what profound devotion looks like, but I know I can't get there without Him.