[This past Sunday, Pastor Robbie, our Church Planting Resident, kicked off our most recent School of Discipleship course by teaching Week 1 of “Good News People: Speaking About Jesus While Becoming Like Him.” This class explores what it looks like to speak about Jesus naturally, while admitting that the most compelling aspect of Christian evangelism is when Jesus’ followers are becoming more and more like him.]
What are you known for?
As I reflect on that question a few things come to my mind. I’m tall, a ginger, known for cardigans, running, beards, coffee, and Star Wars. I am also known by my vocation, as many friends (both Christian and non-Christian) call me 'Pastor Robbie.’ I’m from Pittsburgh, and to quote Malcolm Gladwell: “You cannot separate where you are from, from who you are.” So last night I watched the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Tampa Bay Lightning. I’m excited.
The things I like, the things that excite me, the things I love—these are the things that I talk about. These are the things that people know me for.
What are you known for? is not a question that's meant to raise guilt or shame, but to provoke healthy self-examination. Following Jesus involves a great deal of self-knowledge. It’s perfectly good and fine to be known for our personal quirks. God made us. We should celebrate one another's personalities and quirks. Yet if I never move beyond those things in our friendships, then all conversations are small talk and the relationships superficial.
So am I known for following Jesus? Are you known for living under a new King?
Jesus’ followers are meant to be good news people, those who live under God’s new reign. Are you known for loving others as yourself? Are you known for gracious generosity? Are you known for being a good neighbor? Do you stick up for other people? Are you known for being a little Jesus Christ? (That is literally what Christian means, a little Christ.)
This question cuts into my life. Certainly there are things that bother me, from taxes to this election cycle. But I want to be known for why I find Jesus compelling. One of the best ways for us to develop healthy self-awareness is through journaling. Ideally, at the conclusion of the day, take some time and reflect: what did I talk about today? What did I share with my family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors?
Let’s be a church family that celebrates one another, but let’s also be known for the Kingdom of God as our King is in the business of making all things right.
Pastor Robbie