Why is it...

Greg Boyd, who leads Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul Minnesota, is the real deal.  I do love, and I mean love, to listen to his thoughts and ideas.  I have read his books.  His podcasts/sermons always force me to meditate on God's Word.  The following thoughts were prompted by him from this podcast and I wanted to credit the source.  The blue font annotates Dr. Boyd's words, thoughts, or ideas.   

Why is it, Christians so often do not reflect the character of Jesus Christ?

Why is it, Christians are often the best argument against Christianity?

Why is it, Christians complain often?

Why is it, Christians do so much harm and cause so much pain in the name of Jesus Christ?

Why is it, the Church has accepted the same authority Jesus rejected when tempted by Satan… state, political, military, government...

Why is it, politicians fuse their faith with public office… granting a reason to disagree with Jesus based on a political opinion and not His teaching?

Why is it, pro-life politicians are pro-war and pro-gun too? 

Why is it, Christians, have so much trouble displaying the kingdom of God as Jesus instructed… with humility, without judgment, loving your enemies, serving others, sacrifice, etc?

Why is it, Christians seem to have forgotten Jesus founded a movement based on forgiveness of sin, grace, mercy, love and not a religion? 

Why is it, God commands Christians to belong to the church, to share their lives with others and yet so many do not share? 

Why is it, most Christians do not lead a self examined life?

Why is it, difficult to be an effective advocate for Jesus Christ?

Why is it, so many people that have been hurt by the Church or Christians trade in the Church community for isolation? 

Why is it, so many Christians chose isolation to eliminate the risk of pain, hurt, and scars from following Jesus Christ? 

Why is it, Christians do not recognize to serve and impact others and to experience joy requires the assumption of risk?  You will get hurt.

Why is it, Christians do not comprehend that following Jesus is a contact sport?  You will get hurt.  

Why is it, Christians hesitate to cry out to Jesus? 

Whatever your hurt, pain, or scar… Jesus has been there and done that.  Jesus has been betrayed.  He has been unjustly accused.  He has been wrongfully punished.  Jesus endured hatred.  He experienced incomprehensible pain.  He knew He would die a horrible death and obeyed anyway. 

Jesus knows.  He will heal you.  He will comfort you.  He will strengthen you.  He will revive you.  Restore you.  He will support you.  Satisfy you.  Complete you.  Jesus Christ will defend you and honor you and love you.  He will do all of this because He says you are worth it.  Look at what He has already done for you. 

Have a good and godly day.