The closing song at church on Sunday had a line, something to the effect of: “The cross is before us; The world is behind us”. It struck a nerve. It just didn’t feel in tune with my soul—my spirit. I understand the intent of the verse, but it seems backward.
I am not a traditional Christian. For that matter, I do not even like to call myself a “follower of Christ”. I have taken a rather convoluted “Christian” path to get where I am. I am left knowing that religion—all religions and all denominations of faith—leaves something to be desired. Church will always fall short, because it is a manmade expression of an infinite God.
I even find the label “follower of Christ” a bit lacking. Sunday’s message was, basically, that Jesus calls us all to be “followers”. I kept thinking: “No. He called us to lead—to go into the world and change it.” We are to be servant leaders. In fact, we are called to be “disciples”, i.e., students.
The thought of “The cross is before us; The world is behind us” speaks to me of “personal salvation” and not love, per se. I believe the cross to be behind me. This is not to say that I have turned my back on Jesus. Rather, I believe the crucifixion and resurrection have happened—thus, are in the past. Our objective, now, is to turn and face the world—to engage in the messiness of what it is to be human. We, call us “Christian”, if you prefer, need to stop following a religion (I believe Christ is mortified at the thought that we started a religion in his name) and start engaging and leading change in our society. Jesus began his ministry with the words “follow me”, but he ended with “go forth into the world”. If I am facing the cross, my back is likely turned to someone who needs me.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!