For someone who grew up when, and how I did, the question of Jesus continues to mystify many of my so-called friends when it comes to my recognized newest superhero.
If you allow yourself to view Christianity as some kind of sanitized version of European colonialism, then it is no wonder that many regard this version of religion as a cop out when compared to more ancient religions of the world; particularly those with African origin.
However, when you do due diligence and study, for me, it becomes clear how the religion of Christ has been manipulated down through the ages for political and economic purposes.
Man still kills in the name of his or her God, whatever that name might be. Religious conflict is still the single biggest reason people die at the hands of their fellow man. Really check out the Middle East, Lebanon, Pakistan, and India. Look at the so-called ‘hot spots’ around the globe and I’ll bet you find religious persecution of some type at the center of the conflict.
But, before I go too far down this road, allow me to put forward the life of Christ as one, which I am in awe of and one which has caught and held not only my attention but all of my respect, admiration, praise, and worship.
As I’ve said, to whoever will listen, Jesus was and forever will be a “bad man.”
Folks, you can say whatever you want to but He was indeed a man’s man. As a matter of fact, what wasn’t Jesus? He was a revolutionary. He was probably a socialist given his predisposition to feed the hungry and take care of the poor. He was definitely anti-establishment.
I don’t know anyone more against the status quo than Jesus Christ. He was outspoken, shameless, selfless, compassionate, passionate, an equal opportunity employer and self-confident. Can you name a more committed individual to his beliefs?
This guy was a blessing to anyone who would listen, a teacher, a provider, a source of strength and of course an obedient son and, I suppose, in so many ways, larger than life. I am not trying to portray Jesus as something or someone whom He wasn’t.
I’m just trying to give you a perspective on why He is my Lord and Savior.
God, or Godliness aside, this man I’ve come to admire so much for what He stood for, and certainly what He said He came to die for. Me. I mean come on. Who wouldn’t want to lead men on a path of resistance to eliminate their persecution for what they believe in?
Who wouldn’t want to change the hearts and minds of people to be more accepting of mankind’s differences in order to accept their similarities within the human race? But more than anything else, who among us wouldn’t want to change the face of the world by bringing it a concept of love so strong that even death cannot weaken it; but by death strengthen it for all time?
I’m telling you, the more I see Jesus, the more I see in human terms why those who can continue to undermine, distort and dilute the reality of the man. To Him, neither wealth, nor class, nor birthright distinguished one in the great scheme of things. Preferential treatment is not accorded one based on circumstance.
The measure of any man comes in terms of love, prayer, faith, service, and acceptance of God as God. I keep telling y’all, Jesus was a bad boy. But if you don’t know Him for yourself, firsthand, I’m afraid you’ll fall prey to the version given you by those who have their best interest at heart and not yours.
That includes priests and pastors, kings and presidents, CEOs, capitalists and communists, anyone who would keep you down so they might stay up.
I could go on forever but that is not my intent today. Jesus is forever, not me. I’m just here for the moment trying to give you the basis for making the most out of the opportunity of this platform. Jesus came to be a blessing. I’m just trying to follow His lead.
May God bless and keep you always.
