I don’t think I’d be a very good preacher.
I’d be okay at the public speaking part, and I’m sure I could learn whatever was necessary. But I don’t think those things make a good preacher.
Effective preachers have to be authentic. They have to walk the talk. And that’s where I would have a problem. (It’s fine if you chuckle here because I can’t walk, but that’s not what this is about.)
Last time I said we avoid trusting Jesus to follow big dreams because we’re afraid of the risk. We become obsessed with safety and comfort and control, and none of those has much to do with following Jesus.
So, we whittle Jesus down into a small, easy-to-manage version of himself. Our notion of following becomes what we really wanted to do anyway.
The question becomes, who is following whom?
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A few years ago, I could speak about such things with a bit of confidence. Becky and I stepped out in faith on the Mississippi River trip, and again when we started the FREEDOM TOUR.
Now? Now I sort of like being comfortable. Now I’d rather cruise along in the easy lane.
I prefer to tell you about facing your fears, pointing back to the glory days to encourage you. Then I can do comfortable, retired, old guy stuff.
Except, of course, Jesus never talked about following coming to an end at a certain age. I think I’m supposed to keep using my gifts – sacrificially – as long as possible.
It’s the sacrificial part I don’t like very much. That’s why I don’t think I’d be a very good preacher.
I couldn’t point others to Jesus and ask them to follow sacrificially, when I really don’t want to do that myself.
This blog has always been about a shared journey, about vulnerability and honesty. I bet I’m not the only one who struggles with the desire to slide into the easy lane.
I don’t want to be the retired guy who takes the easy route. How about you?