Stop using Jesus as an excuse

I have always admired one piece of pop-art that I usually see in independent bookstores, used record stores, headshops, etc.  It’s usually a picture of Jesus (normally girly-Jesus or some other unrealistic depiction) with the tag line, “stop using Jesus as an excuse to be a narrow minded bigot…”

Sadly, I can understand where this thought it coming from.  As flawed human beings, we will always be tempted to duck and cover behind the nearest tree that will shelter us from owning up to the responsibility that God created us with (usually right around the time that God starts walking in the garden saying, “Oh Jaaaaay….come out come out where ever you are, who told you to be ashamed?”).  That tree can be our popular misconceptions of Jesus, the Democratic party, Hagen-Daaz, the Dalai Lama, or Satan.  We Christians just like to use Jesus —- and maybe Hagen-Daaz.

The problem with that line of thought is that Jesus never offered Himself on a cross to give you an excuse.  He died on a cross to forgive your sins.  That actually re-saddles you with the responsibility of living in His way.  The bonus is that now the responsibility doesn’t come with the price tag of going to heaven or hell.

If we’re using Jesus as an excuse, we’re misunderstanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Jesus died so that we might have forgiveness.  Forgiveness seems to imply that you’re going to try some stuff, and you’re going to fail.  (Surprise surprise) An excuse simply gives you a reason to not try anymore.  The difference sometimes looks subtle - but it’s huge: Excuses stop you, Forgiveness keeps you going.

So stop using Jesus as an excuse and start embracing His forgiveness.  Once you understand the difference, it will change your life.

Image: Ovablastic