Description
I’m fascinated by churches. I enjoy visiting different ones to see how they operate, what their music is like, how the pastor teaches, you know … all the really “important” stuff. After I visit a new church, I’ll always come home and pull up their website to learn more about them? Without fail, on each of their websites I can find a mission statement, or as it’s sometimes referred to “statement of faith.”
It’s usually only the long time church goers and ministers who know what a statement of faith is. I’d wager that the average barista at your favorite coffee shop, or the homeless guy waiting in line at the soup kitchen, or the prostitute standing on the street corner doesn't know what a statement of faith is. Yet I know churches debate and even fall apart over this “important” affirmation of beliefs.
Can you imagine if we got rid of all the religious jargon and terminology we use to make ourselves feel smarter, and really simplify what it means to be a follower of Christ? You want a mission statement that encompasses Jesus teachings about how we are to live? Okay, here it is … ready? “Be Awesome.” That’s it. If we are to follow Christ’s example of how He did things, that’s probably all we need to write down, instead of some heady doctrinal statement.
Jesus’ message is a simple one. We all get a chance to be awesome! It doesn’t matter what you perceive as your talents and abilities, weaknesses or failures. We can all be awesome and do awesome. We can all be salt and light to the world.
Matthew 5 says (parenthesis added):
You (the person reading this post) are the salt of the earth. You (yes, you again) are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let you light shine before others (aka, be awesome), that they may see your good (awesome) deeds and glorify your (most awesome) Father in heaven.
