Why Would You "Gospel" Your Life?

 

Over the last few weeks, I have been sharing with you information (and I pray inspiration) for reading the Gospels with me in September and October.  But the question remains, why?  Why would you do this?  Afterall, I know you are busy; I know there are tons of entertaining Netflix shows just calling your name; there are places to volunteer; and a slew of new books to read. 

 

Why do this?

 

That is a question for you to hold close to your heart.  I have tried to offer some of the reasons why I am doing this, but I don’t assume those are your reasons.  You don’t have to do this.  There will be no badge for your heavenly sash passed out at the end…although I do think we should have a party with chocolate in November when we finish!  We don’t do this to get anything, we do this because there is a curiosity in our souls or an ache that longs for healing or itch that we’ve tried every other option advertised out there with no relief.  I am not promising the Gospels will magically cure all our hurt, but I do believe God meets us where we are when we open to the Presence that is always around us and within us. 

 

Why are you doing this?  Take time today to answer this.  Do you want to do this?  And, what questions do you bring with you?  Please note, you don’t need to write a dissertation.  The backside of an envelope or a note in an app will work too.  Before you begin, it is important to write down your “why”, so that when the climb is challenging or you fall behind or you want to throw the Bible across the room (don’t do that if you are reading on a tablet, I can’t replace your iPad!).  We can come back to your “why”.  And it is okay to revise your “why” after a few weeks too.  Maybe you start with one intention and discover another along the way.  You may have great questions today and by the end of September you have jettisoned for a new set you didn’t realize were right there hidden in plain sight in your soul. 

 

There is a great quote from Rachel Held Evans “Jesus didn’t talk much about the church, but he talked a lot about the kingdom.... In contrast to every other kingdom that has been and ever will be, this kingdom belongs to the poor, Jesus said, and to the peacemakers, the merciful, and those who hunger and thirst for God. In this kingdom, the people from the margins and the bottom rungs will be lifted up to places of honor, seated at the best spots at the table. This kingdom knows no geographic boundaries, no political parties, no single language or culture. It advances not through power and might, but through acts of love and joy and peace, missions of mercy and kindness and humility. This kingdom has arrived, not with a trumpet’s sound but with a baby’s cries, not with the vanquishing of enemies but with the forgiving of them, not on the back of a warhorse but on the back of a donkey, not with triumph and a conquest but with a death and a resurrection.”

 

For me, this is why I keep coming back to the Gospels with fresh energy and open heart to discover anew God who is right here all along authoring my life for the sake of love.