Episode 64: Surface Level

I saw a quote the other day that said, "Jesus died for you in public. Don't live for Him in private." And I'll tell you something... that's powerful.

Honestly doubt many people think to themselves "I live a private life for Christ." But do you know what it DOES make me think of? It makes me think of the surface level lives people lead. And the truth is, it's kind of the same thing. Surface level relationships, conversations, and even posts. Sure, they may actually be easier. They may feel safer. They certainly take less time. And they may even cause less stress...But I have to ask? Who is that benefiting?

Listen, I didn't come here today to make anyone feel guilty for not standing on the rooftops shouting about Jesus. I just came here to encourage you to take your moment. Take your moment when it presents itself. Be bold in the small things. Share your testimony with your uber driver. Ask how you can pray for the cashier checking you out. Look that homeless person in the eye when you hand them a water or a meal and tell them God sees them and you see them. Tell them they are loved. Just do the thing in front of you. Do it with intention. It's not so big or scary or intimidating. What could you possibly lose by doing any of these things?

Jesus being intentional about the needs in front of Him. The brokenness before Him. The people around Him. Can you imagine if Jesus chose to be surface level with people? Can you imagine if Jesus only posted what looked good to His followers? I mean I'm sure turning water into wine would have made for an amazing post. But what about the other stuff? The stuff less worthy of a photograph? The humble moments or the messy ones? What about the times Jesus loved enough to correct? What about the times He confronted the enemy? What about the times He upset the local authorities by following God's principles rather than mans? How affective could he have possible been by living surface level.

I know its a lot of what if's today... But just think:

What if Jesus had only thanked Martha for hosting rather than telling her that Mary was in the right for sitting at His feet?

What if Jesus waved to the fishermen while walking by but never told them to cast their nets on the other side?

What if Jesus only allowed people to serve Him rather than serving others?

What if Jesus passed up the sick to get to where He was going?

What if Jesus had only chatted with the woman at the well about the weather, instead of sharing the depth of who He was and the hope of eternal life?

Guys. He was the model for us. In all of it. Why shouldn't WE be sharing who WE are? Brothers and Sisters of Christ. Children of God. And the hope that Jesus brought to the world?

Shouldn't we be sharing about how we are who we are because of Who Jesus is and what

HE did for us. About how our lives are what they are now because of the hope He offers. That the love, joy, peace... its all fruit of our lives lived honoring Him.

I find it such a shame that surface level is SO often what we get today instead of time and intentionality. We live in an instant gratification world where we scroll (on average every 7 seconds per reel) going from one hit of endorphins to the next. Not only is it exhausting, but it's void of depth. Can I tell you a secret? You can't go deep if you don't take time. Roots aren't strong without it. Connection can't happen without it. Faith can't grow without it. Depth. You can't go deep if you don't take the time. Go deeper than surface level. With people. With the world.

Yes, it can be intimidating to live outwardly. It opens you up to rejection and hurt. But Jesus did it. And if He did it, shouldn't we? So, today, 'll end, again, with this reminder... "Jesus died for you in public. So don't live for Him in private."

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