a l i v e & a w a k e

"God is not a sedative that keeps you calm and under control by dulling your senses. He does quite the opposite. He awakens your spirit to be truly alive." Erwin McManus 

I am a follower of Jesus, the Messiah. I am becoming more and more hesitant to use the word Christian, not because I don't understand the original meaning of the word, but because most other people don't.

It has become synonymous with boring, fundamentalism, irrelevance, hypocracy and uselessness. Many people view following Christ a selling of one's life to a creed that gives them a list of do's and don't's.

I like this quote, because it captures my thoughts exactly. I found that when I met Jesus (the real Jesus - not some institutionalized version found in a church building) my life changed. Aside from my hyper tendencies, I found an internal well of life that became the new driving force in my life. Suddenly, every fibre of my being was invigorated by energy, meaning and an optimism that far surpassed any of the modern-day positive thinking programs. I just found myself to be such a happy person.

It's sad to think that people are turned off finding a life-giving spiritual connection to their Creator because of  the institutionization of the Church. If you have found yourself dulled by traditions and religiosity, it's time you personally met the Jesus I know. You find him, you will find life.

Jon