Like

One of the easiest, least calorie burning, detached exercises of my day is pushing the "Like" button on Facebook. Boom. "Like" that.

I am afraid we have become a church who "likes" Jesus. Boom. You're liked, Lord!

Jesus never cared if he was liked. In fact, he wasn't. He threatened the status quo. People in charge knew they could not pontificate about "family values" when Jesus kept pointing out that they were doing nothing about elevating the pain and suffering of the poor, oppressed, widowed and orphaned.  Jesus' friends hid at his death.

Jesus never asked anyone to like him. He did ask people to follow him. And he told them it would not be easy. Liking is easy. Following is an investment.

Do you like Jesus. Good for you.

Will you follow him, more than in your mind? Even better.

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Matthew 16:24 (NIV)