Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Something Real


It's 11:14pm.

I'm trying to sort through the 1742 topics in my head I want to write about running solely on a Starbucks salted caramel mocha from about 2 hours ago.

Should I say something artistic and thought provoking? Inspiring? Slightly condescending, but with an encouraging tone at the end? What clever name can I come up with for this post that will grab your attention?

Maybe I should just write something real.

I think sometimes we forget to be real. 

In my last post I talked about fixing our eyes on Jesus. Is there anybody who is more real than him? He wasn't trying to sell anything. He wasn't trying to be trendy and he wasn't afraid of being too mainstream. He was Jesus. 

Not agreeable Jesus.
Not Patronizing Jesus.
Not Marketing Jesus.
Not Hipster Jesus.

Real Jesus.

"If you over analyze, over think & over produce art, it becomes soulless & appeals to no one." -Nathan Young

We have to be genuine in what we do. We have to be real. Real Human hands, eyes and voices using Real God given talents to make a real difference.

But the reality starts with our passion. 
Passion is found in Jesus.
Passion is found when we stop trying to make sales and live for the one who purchased us.
Passion is found in realizing what that redemption cost. 
Passion is found in letting go of you and clinging to Him.

If you don't really believe that what you are living for is worth dying for, it may sell, but it will lack the transforming power of Christ.

Art can lack perfection, but it must never lack passion.

I don't know if this is helpful or inspiring. I just wanted to post something real.

And I think that will be my title.

"For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God."
Colossians 3:3

-Colby

Monday, October 8, 2012

→Jesus



The ministry is full of challenges.

Whether you are a staff pastor, or the person who puts the tithe envelopes in the back of the chairs, there are jobs that must be done, protocols that must be followed, and attendees that must be considered. Nothing we do can be on accident.

One of those challenges is remembering the reason behind everything we do. 

Jesus.

Everything we do is meant to point people to him. When they come in contact with the people of God, their experience should be something like this:

Welcome to church, our greeters are really nice.

And...Jesus.

Check out our awesome music.

By the way...Jesus.

Look at our graphics, they are modern and cutting edge.

And also...Jesus.

The reality of what we do is that on our own, we are powerless. If we are not pointing back to him, it means nothing.

But when we focus on Jesus
Joy comes.
Healing takes place.
Fear no longer exists.
Hope rises.
Faith grows.

We are mirrors to reflect him.

And by the way...Jesus.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…" Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

-Colby