We are striving with obsession for "light". Low cal everything. Light dressings, light beers, diet soda, decaf coffee, alcohol free beer, sugar free candy, ice cream, etc. We even found a way to taste beer without the alcohol. That should be a monument. We are always reaching to be perceived differently or to perceive differently within ourselves. We say, "This is a light ranch or fat free ranch. It's good for me." If the words aren't uttered from our mouths, it echoes in our consciences. We want everything, but lighter. We want to be perceived as a coffee drinker, but without the effects of the coffee. I have to wonder why that is. I may have lost your attention already based solely on the idea that I'm judging or "categorizing" you. That's not it at all. I'm as guilty as everyone. But I still wonder why we have a draw to be "lighter".
Is it that we can go about a "regular" life, and not feel guilty about what we choose. I would think that has a lot to do with it. Does our lukewarm way of living affect other aspects of our lives? I say lukewarm, because I picture a group of people drinking alcoholic beer and one guy not drinking beer trying to find his place. Does he fit in with the ones getting buzzed? Does he fit in with the crowd that's drinking water? In the one picture, where does he fit in? It would seem that he wants to fit in with both. Lukewarm. Not really here, not really there, but somewhere in the middle. Does this look like a snapshot of your life? Why would he want to drink beer but not get buzzed? If he doesn't want to get buzzed, why would he order a beer? I know at times, it does mine. Before you rush to defend yourself, think about it. I don't drink, and haven't for 8 years. But the situation looks the same whether it's this picture at a bar, or a picture of how you practice and train for sporting events. (The similar idea being you take time to practice, but don't put in the effort to make you stronger or faster or more skilled).
Has this lukewarm living become our default way of life? Have we grown comfortable being sorta kinda wishy washy? I don't know a more plain way of approaching it. Has our view of Christ taken on the same form in our life? Does this look like you... I go to church. I give. I'm better than so and so, that's why I know I'm on the right track. Has our "lighter" glimpse of life brought us to desiring a "lighter" Gospel? In the words of a pastor I respect, "If you don't know Christ as you ought, you have no greater agenda than to know Christ."
