"R"

At some point we're going to have to come to the conclusion and face the fact that we live in a world that is R-rated, if not worse.

This R-rated world is contrary to what we believe.  It is contrary to the way we act.  It is contrary to our opinions and thought processes and end results.  It is contrary, period.

'How do you think YOU look to Jesus without the cross?'

Our task as believers in Jesus Christ is not take the R rating, or worse, and try to improve it to PG or G, as if that was possible.  Why would we?  We seem to have created a goal to frame a world where we are less uncomfortable as Christ-followers.

If Jesus would have treated us the way we treat the world, well ... golly (excuse my French).  It was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us.  It wasn't after we got our messiness cleaned up a little that He decided we were worth saving.  It was when we were yet in the depth of our filth - it was R-rated, and R would be gracious for some of us.

But here's where we get tripped up.  The guy at work who so casually throws the F-bomb around - the guy who uses it as an adjective for words like 'chair' and 'dog' and 'ice cream' - THAT guy - his sins were nailed on the cross of Christ along with yours.  No difference.

And if Jesus removed the barrier that separated Himself from sinful people -- all sinful people, not just the two of us -- and if I'm still encountering a barrier between unbelievers and me, then there is only one person putting the barrier there --- me.

How do you think YOU look to Jesus without the cross?  You look the same as Mr. F-bomb.  Exactly.

So my encouragement is for you to go out right now and catch an R-rated movie - the one living next door to you.

And be blessed.