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I’d Chew my own Tongue off Before Diluting

by Alex Willmott - February 17, 2012 in Alex Willmott with 6 Comments

I probably have at least two things in common with the average Christian man:

1) We both think Jesus is who he claims to be. 2) We doubt that he can actually save our friends and family.

Three times in the last three weeks I have heard the phrase: “I couldn’t take my friends to a full on Bible event because they’re not in that place yet.” The more I’ve thought about that notion, the sicker I feel in my soul. Not only do we assume that our friends and family have no interest in the message of Jesus, but even more disturbingly, we doubt that Jesus is as effective as he once was. When we doubt that our friends and family could start their own walk with Christ today, we actually doubt the power of the cross, the words of Christ and the resurrection of the saviour.

And, what is equally as terrifying, is the idea that we know the thoughts and feelings of our friends and family more than the God who created them. How dare I think that contemporary way to share my faith is the pivotal part of someone’s salvation? How dare I claim to have the monopoly on God’s perfect Gospel?

A few days ago I was given the most amazing compliment in the form of an insult. After sharing my thoughts on preaching the Christian message in a post-Christian culture, a young leader said: “Ah, you’re one of those old-fashioned guys who would just preach the Bible, we’re trying to do something new.” (My soul was at ease in the knowledge that at least I’m doing something right in this sin-ridden life of mine.)

The tragic irony of diluting, compromising and editing the full message of Jesus, is two fold:

- This month I have heard a group of atheists chatting as they left a guest church service. One turned to another and said: “I was expecting more Bible to be honest, I’m a bit disappointed.”

- If I hadn’t been given the full message of Jesus when I was 16-years-old, ten years ago this week, I’d have missed out on a friendship with Jesus.

There is no fence between offense and defence. Jesus said people are either following him or they’re not. Why then, do we think we have a better, more suitable message for those without Jesus? What is it that actually saves a man? I actually think that some contemporary Christians are hoping to trick their loved ones into the Kingdom. “HAHA! You thought I was just being nice when I was offering prayer and saying ‘God Bless’ but look where you are now…You’re a Christian and there’s nothing you can do about it!!!”

Have we forgotten that we’re just delivery boys in this world? Don’t get me wrong, I love my friends and family, but the message I carry is far more valuable than the way I approach their front door.

And finally, to end this extremely rare outburst, it turns out that those guys who accept invites to Church Services and Weekends Away, actually want to know more about Jesus! Isn’t that weird? But you probably don’t want to give them the whole message of Christ though. Oh no, just wait until they’re on their knees begging for sanctification through the blood of the living atonement of the risen lamb. Then you really can fill your boots!

Peace

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About Alex Willmott: Alex Willmott is a very Welsh 25-year-old who has the potential to grow an afro. His passions include cheering for Blackburn Rovers, reading Science Fiction books and dipping his toast into his tea. He loves reading the New Testament and is quite sad that so many churches in the UK have a serious lack of twenty somethings in their congregations. He believes the message of Jesus is more relevant now than its ever been. On a lesser note, it is rumoured that Alex is offended by wasps, golf and the taste of jam.

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  • http://twitter.com/LOFer Shaun Turner

    Eggshells are there to be broken, the Gospel DOES offend. We ain’t here to convert, just preach the message and let the Holy Spirit do what it does. Do we have a spirit of fear or of faith???!!! I know which I’d rather have….

    Great post dude!

  • Rich

    feeling slap in the face challenged by this one…having seen my brother spontaneously encounter the life changing power of Jesus last year I should not be hesitating for a moment…yet still I often do…thanks for writing such a challenging peice

  • Carl Beech

    I guess the real challenge is having enough mates to invite to such a weekend? And that takes some real time… So I think there is a place for what we call 4 level stuff as well… Got to get out there and build some friendships..

  • Alex L Willmott

    Hi guys, great responses! I’m just trying to encourage the guys that they have ALL the tools to lead someone to Jesus anywhere, anytime. The message we have been given is full, finished and forever. Whether its a stranger on a train or a group of mates you’ve known for years, the message has the power to save them all.

  • Eddieteale

    That’s great, I truly believe that non Christian men want Jesus in their lives the second we start talking about him and what he has done for us.
    Its when we stop talking about him in our conversations that they lose interest in him.
    Men need to be pushed and be invited to Christian events, they love it.
    You start to see what me are really about when you ask them what they think about Christ. Its generally a positive response.
    Let’s keep pushing

  • Mark Frajbis

    Great piece and challenge, and what a way of putting it. Glad and envious that you have such courage and conviction – I want some of that as I have loads of none christian friends who I know are missing out on an awesome adventure.