I hear a lot of talk among
conservative Christians today about "the radical
liberal agenda" that is dominating our culture. This agenda is filled with
leftist Democrats, unfair and imbalanced MSNBC reporters and pro-gay Starbucks
cups controversies.
As
a matter of fact I'm sick of hearing about it.
Now
don't get me wrong. I am very conservative, both politically and theologically.
I like Reagan, Republicans and imputed righteousness.
But
I am not going to expend my energy fighting the radical liberal agenda. Instead,
I'm going to invest it in pushing the "radical Jesus agenda."
What
is his agenda? To love God, love others and make disciples!
When
Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was he answered, "Love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second
is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'"Matthew 22:37-39.
This
basically means love God with everything you have and then take your love for
him out on everyone else. Yes, this especially includes those you vehemently
differ with politically, philosophically and morally!
The
radical Jesus agenda is to love your enemies and hate your own sin. The radical
Jesus agenda is to be a visible, visceral demonstration to the world that we
love others no matter what...no matter if we differ with their politics or
lifestyle choices. Our love for others has no qualifications, exceptions or
asterisks because our love is rooted in God (1
John 4:19.)
This
doesn't mean that we refuse to vote our convictions. This doesn't mean that we
don't stand for truth. But it does mean that we do so humbly, lovingly and
gently. It means we are characterized by an open hand, not a clenched fist.
And
the radical Jesus agenda goes even farther than loving God and loving others. It
also includes making disciples!
In
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been
given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the
age."
A
key thrust of the radical Jesus agenda is winning people over, not to our
politics, but to our Saviour! It is making disciples, not to follow us, but to
follow our King! Christian Post.
