Stickers

This was a rare find. Upon returning to my car after shopping at a local store, I discovered this green van parked next to my car. It wasn't hard to spot. There must have been 150 bumper stickers on this van...most of which weren't on the bumpers. As I conducted a 360 and read nearly every one of the stickers, it was clear to me that the owner was against a lot of things.

"Condoms are easier to change than diapers"
"Mend your fuelish ways"
"The only trouble with Baptists is they don't hold them under long enough"
"No war has ever been fought in the name of Wicca"

Remembering that I had my camera in my backseat, I snapped a few pictures just to remember this unique display of philosophical randomness.

As I was taking pictures, a gentleman got out of his truck and approached me and the van. His reaction was, "Boy, what do you make of this?" And after reading a number of the stickers he continued, "You know, it's sort of hard to figure out what this person believes in!" That was when the Spirit prompted me (He's been doing a lot of that lately). I expressed my agreement, then followed by saying, "Well, I can tell you very simply what I believe in". He looked quite curious and he invited me to continue. I proceeded to tell this man about Jesus Christ, why He came to this earth, how He saved me from my sin, and that my purpose in life is to enjoy Him, bring glory to Him, and tell others about Him. This man stared at me for a moment, then he proceeded to tell me that this couldn't be a chance meeting. He went on to tell me that this has been the most difficult year of his life, partly due to having lost his mother to brain cancer (Thanks to God, I could relate) and losing a sister to another tragic situation. Without family nearby, he felt like he had come to the end of his rope and had recognized his need for God. Wow! Needless to say, we talked a bit more.

...and to think that I could have ignored that "prompting"...as I have done so many times.

You know, our world is full of jaded, cynical, and angry people. Do I care enough to reach out, in love, and tell everyone I possibly can about Jesus...the ONLY hope for true joy in this life...and in the ONLY hope for eternal life.

Right about now I can just hear some people replying to me by saying, "You are so narrow-minded. How dare you be so pompous as to say that Jesus is the only way to God. There are many paths to God...many religions and faiths. Who are you to say that every other religion and faith is wrong? You are just another arrogant Christian." To that I would reply, "If I am arrogant, I need to ask your forgiveness. Arrogance is wrong and it 'uglifies' (yes, an invented word) all who wear it. However, Jesus Christ claimed to be the only way to 'The Father' (John 14:6). If I follow Jesus completely (not just when it fits a politically correct worldview), I am compelled to align myself with His teaching and be no less exclusive. Therefore, I am compelled to adopt His position on salvation...which is very exclusive. If I place my faith in Jesus and hold to His teaching (especially a teaching as important as salvation), that doesn't make me arrogant...it makes me a Christian.

Just a quick side note [FOR CHRISTIANS ONLY]...too often we are known for arguing a position on the basis of "church tradition" or, equally fatal, on the authority of the latest "Christian bestseller" (whatever that may be at the moment). Truth be told, opinions, traditions, and best-sellers come and go...but the word of the Lord remains forever! Fellow Christian, if you can't argue from (on the authority) the Bible, save your breath...don't insert yourself or yet another opinion...the world needs more of Jesus...the Living Word...and less of everything else. This means that we all need to be in the Word...daily. You can't draw water from a well that is empty! [END OF 'NOTE TO CHRISTIANS']

Now, no one likes to be told that they are wrong...myself included. But, lets be honest here, none of us are right about everything. I might be wrong about a lot of things, but I'm not wrong about Jesus...that He is the Messiah, my Savior, and is the only way to inherit eternal life with God. You see, if I didn't have that kind of conviction on that point, I wouldn't be a Christian! Therefore, a true Christian is a bold Christian...but may the boldness be for the advancement of Jesus Christ and not my own ego. That is where some of us Christians royally mess up.

And so, I need to thank the owner of the van. If you are reading this (and, who knows, you just might be), thank you for parking your van next to my car. Unknowingly you were used of God to help start a conversation that led to one man hearing about Jesus Christ. Praise be to God for you (and I'm not being sarcastic)! Secondly, thanks for one sticker, in particular, that God used to remind me of my need to follow Jesus Christ closely and completely. It was the brown sticker that quoted Ghandi...




I like your Christ.
I do not like your Christians.
They are so unlike your Christ.

Thanks for reminding me that I need to be more like Jesus Christ and less like the rest of the those who mis-represent Christ. If we cross paths and you're not driving that van, I won't notice you. But, may you notice me if you see me living a radical, Christ-like life that will pique your curiosity and lead to a conversation about Jesus Christ. I promise not to bludgeon you with philosophy or exert my personality on you. Instead, I purpose in my heart to quickly offer you a cup of refreshing, "Living Water". Until then...