Maybe you have heard how someone’s life was “cleaned up” by becoming a Christian. You know- how they stopped cussing and drinking and now are all straightened out. Although I understand what is trying to be said, often the idea that gets conveyed is that being a Christian is all about becoming a good person and living a “good clean life” (whatever that is). Following Christ has always been about more than being a decent citizen. After all, Jesus and many of His first followers were not executed because they were considered exemplary citizens of the Roman State.
We get this idea of what it means to be a believer in Jesus and that it entails a certain lifestyle. But as I read Scripture I find it actually messes with my lifestyle. Portions of the Gospel really mess with my attitude towards other people. There are Scriptures that disturb my sense of self-righteousness. The sayings of Jesus upset my ideas of status and social boundries. Certain verses of the text totally wreck my perspective of money and how I should use it.
These inspired ancient words of the Bible probe into areas of my life and effect change. Over and over the message of Jesus messes with me and my lifestyle- and somehow- I love it.