Counterintuitive Week 3

"Image is Everything."
Who knew Andre Agassi was so prophetic? Or that a late 80's commercial would nail our way of living 20 years later? But he was and it does. Our culture values image over substance. As a result, we buy things that don't measure up to the commercials, order food that doesn't look as good as it does on the menu and vote for politicians we know are faking it.

Not that we are exempt either. We try to put our best foot forward at work, with friends, on dates- and even with God. Somewhere we've all got an M.A. in Image Management matted and framed. (OK- maybe not all of us, but we do tend to think that people who don't care what others think are jerks- right?)

Once again, Jesus calls us to a way of living that requires a sharp u-turn as He urges us to forget about managing images and focus on substance. True to form, He does this with a simple STORY. In Matthew 21:28-32, Jesus describes two radically different approaches we can take in our life with God. One values image management. The other, substance and action.

"Yes Sir, Dad." (With a smile.)
Jesus describes a vineyard owning father who asks both of his children to go work in the family business. One son is enthusiastic. Tells Dad he's been looking forward to it. Can't wait to get his hands dirty. But as soon as Dad is gone- the son hits the links (or lake, or bed, etc.). Win-win. Dad thinks he's a good son, AND he gets to do whatever he wants.

Sound deceptive? Shallow? Religious? Right on all 3. Jesus uses this son to picture folks who say yes to God- and then do whatever they want. RELIGIOUS PEOPLE have always had a knack for this, but image management never fools God. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus previews a CONVERSATION He will have with those whose spiritual lives have been all image and no substance.

Read it through a couple of times. Would you want Jesus to say those words to you? I'd rather pass. And we can. How? The passage gives us a couple of clues:
1. Focus on knowing Jesus, not just using His name.
The image driven will tell Jesus about all they accomplished by using His name. Jesus doesn't care. He wanted more than miracles. He wanted a relationship. The temptation to use Jesus (for friends, peace of mind, self-improvement, $, etc.) is still there today. Jesus wants more for us.
2. Focus on doing what God wants, not just what sounds good to us.
Did you hear what Jesus called these miracle workers? EVIL. Why? Because they did the things that furthered their religious image instead of doing what God wanted. Are we so different?

"The P.R. Nightmare" (The Good Son)
Fortunately, Jesus gives us an ALTERNATIVE to image management. The son that Jesus praises in the story was rebellious. He told his Father no- straight to His face. Ever done that with God? Me too. When it comes to image, this kid is a PR nightmare. So, how does he end up as the "good one"? He CHANGES his mind and heart. He leaves his past behind and obeys his father. God doesn't need us to project the perfect image or live perfect lives. (Good thing, huh?) He only needs us to soften our hearts and turn towards Him. What does that look like? Great question.

Personalized Substance
In this story, Jesus keeps referring to JOHN as a key figure in the lives of those who were moving past image management. As the hype man for Jesus, John's MESSAGE called for the substance of life-change. Fed up with religious spin doctors, John demanded action from those who wanted to embrace Jesus and His way of living. Read this ACCOUNT. What does John ask of those wanting to change? More Bible reading? More prayer? More temple time? Nope. He wants real life action. He urges us to live like we are a part of Jesus' Kingdom now, with the substance of practicality. What does John tell each group to do? Something that was doable for them, given who they were.

I won't lie to you, image management is easier than a life of action and substance. But does it lead us where we want to go? Good question. And here are a couple more to chew on:
1. Which son in the story best describes my life with God today? Is this what I really want?
2. If I were to wade out and meet John the Baptist in the river, what kind of action would he ask me to take today as proof that my desire for Jesus is sincere?