Demonstration vs. Demonstration

As always, I really appreciate JD and Colbey's comments. Their response to my last blog caused me to think more about how Jesus took a stand against the conventions of his day that he opposed.

In general, people have a pretty ugly way of disagreeing with one another. A random sampling of the news today will verify this fact. Rarely do I find people/groups that can disagree with one another in a civilized fashion. And on this accord, Christians are as guilty as anyone else. In fact, with a mandate to be just the opposite, I'd say Christ-followers are doubly incriminated for their hateful displays of opinion and protest. It's doubtful that loud demonstrations have ever swayed the opinion of any great number of people but, rather, to solidify them in their views.

What we see in Jesus is an entirely different and loving way of demonstrating his opposition to the wrongs of his culture. But his methods weren't just different, they were far more effective. Jesus protested the culture of the day by demonstrating the alternative. He advocated his message by his actions and, by doing so, subverted the positions of those he opposed.

This is a very different kind of "demonstration" though. The term demonstration has multiple meanings. When you think of the first, think of shouting lines of protesters holding big signs stating their opinion on something. Think of the second, for example, as me demonstrating a product I want you to buy by actually showing you how it works. The first kind of demonstration involves much more talk, the second, a lot more action.

Jesus preferred the second, he lived out the message he was preaching thereby demonstrating its validity. This, I believe, presents a real challenge to many so-called Christ followers because yelling is oftentimes far easier than actually changing one's life to reflect Jesus' commands. I don't know whether I'm more amused or heart broken when all Christians do is talk about their faith and then wonder why no one is convinced. Honestly, why should someone else adopt a doctrine into their lives that we are either unwilling or unable to adopt ourselves. Our hypocrisy has drained the Gospel of its power and simply yelling louder compensates not for the loss.

As followers of Christ, we will begin to change the world when we, first, change our lives. If we pay attention to the One we claim to follow we'll see an example already provided. Christ's example shows us that his lifestyle is possible for those that are willing.

So the question becomes, are we willing?