So we launched a new series on Sunday entitled “BackSeat Jesus“. The idea of the series is to explore the different ways we’ve put Jesus in the backseat of our lives. You can listen or watch the message HERE.
Matt Chandler once said, “We have a mass of humanity that has had a collision with Jesus and has this hope of heaven, but the functionality of the gospel in their lives is not visible.”
Ouch! See we’ve trusted Jesus as our Savior, but many of us have not trusted Him as Lord and the obvious outcome is our lives as Christians doesn’t look that different from non-Christians.
In this series we’re going to talk a lot about the gap between “current you” and “imagined you”. It’s the gap between who you are today and the person God imagined when he thought you into existence.
Most of us are aware of the gap and even though we know we can’t close it based on our human effort, but we try anyway. Here are a few ways I find myself tempted to close the gap.
Fake it.
Daily I’m tempted to deal with the gap by just faking it. Just pretending there isn’t a gap. I wear a mask that portrays I have it all together even though I know inside I’m dying. I pretend I’m the father I’m not. I pretend I’m the husband I’m not. I cover up my weaknesses and hope nobody notices.
Work it
I’ve often been tempted to think I could close the gap if I just had a higher level of commitment. If I woke up a little earlier so I could pray 15 minutes longer. If I read five chapters a day instead of my two chapters. If I joined two small groups instead of just one. If I could make myself miserable then it must be spiritual.
Switch it.
This is a common temptation in our culture today. We even have a term for it called “church shopping”. When we realize there is a gap we blame it on the church we’re attending. If I’m not growing it must be their fault. So if I switch churches surely the next pastor or the next program will be able to help me close the gap. Right? Wrong!
Quit it.
This is when you decide to stop even worrying about the gap. You know it’s there, but you’re tired of not making progress so you just simply quit. You know you’re not the man or woman God has called you to be but you just give up. You decide to settle for mediocrity. Your tired, frustrated and you feel hopeless.
How about you? Do any of these ring a bell? How are you tempted to close the gap?
I’ve done all of the above.
Right now, I’m relying more on the “bridger of the Gap” to help me through.
Seriously, I’ve got some big gaps- but He is building a bridge for me that is causing hope to well up inside.
I can see the other side and the way that is being laid for me to cross on over.
sherri’s last blog post.."A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." -King Solomon
“work it” seems to ring my bell. I have been trying to find my Christian rhythm my whole life. I was raised and still am Catholic. As a young person I went to mass every Sunday but now I miss a whole lot of Sundays at church since I had kids-my spouse goes more than I do. I do not pretend to be something I am not but I do spend a lot of time talking to God ( and listening) and trying to be better at being a Christian. I read the Bible more than I ever did. I always have more questions than answers as it translates to life with my current marital difficulties. I do not agree with everything the Catholic Church does but I suppose a lot of people have that issue from time to time with their particular religion (or maybe not). As i get older ( I am only 38) I worry about what I need to do do on this earth to be a better Christian and I talk to and try to teach my kids to do the same( they attend a Catholic school). I have a long way to go to improve myself but I feel that if I constantly strive to just improve myself perhaps the Lord will accept me. I am stuck in the in-between of wanting to have a nice home and nice things and then driving to Burger King to get a hot breakfast to give to a cold homeless man I have passed on a cold wintry morning because God asked me to. Its a struggle every day.
Just like Sherri, I’ve done all the above.
I think most of the time this comes from the mistaken idea that somehow we can practice commitment and dedication without surrender.
I knew this series would be painful.
My toes should be ready for another stomping on Sunday.
Tommy Sircy’s last blog post..Sharing The Gift
Here recently I’ve been watching people all around me and seeing how God is completely changing them into who He wants them to be. I’ve watched people who have just sat on the sidelines being called into service that blows my mind. In the past year that we’ve lived up here in NW Indiana I’ve seen people grow, grow, and grow some more in their faith and their walk with Christ. I’ve seen lives changed….and not just a little. I’ve watched people hit road blocks and have to choose which way they were going to go and after choosing the right way grow into leaders like you wouldn’t believe.
If you are not in a growing church that is reaching people for Christ, go someplace else or start working. I’m telling you that there is no greater feeling than serving Christ and I don’t just mean filling a church pew sometimes…I mean serving and working for the Kingdom. I am the happiest when God is using me and I’m seeing the fruits of my labor. I don’t know how “saved” people aren’t out getting busy about God’s business. Come on….GO….SERVE….REACH….stop sitting!
Debbie’s last blog post..Chicken, Yellow Rice, and Mitchell
Pete, I have been reading your blog for some time now and find it very eye opening and encouraging and at times funny. I have never taken the time to listen to one of your messages but for some reason Back Seat Jesus has stuck in my mind. Today I took the time to listen to it online and wow, I am blown away at how God spoke to me through your words. I printed off the notes and started to message over and covered the paper on what God was showing me. I am looking forward to next weeks message.
Jenny’s last blog post..Memories
I think I alternate between faking it, working it, switching it, and quitting it. Depends on who I am with and what I think will make me “seem” the most authentic and spiritual. There are days when I am really aware of the gigantic size of my gap and days when I think I am closing in on it.
I am looking forward to being challenged in this series to truly rely on God to close the Gap. And thankful that in the meantime, I have the grace of Christ.
Lindsey Nobles’s last blog post..Embracing Discipline
I’m very excited about this series. Seriously, Pete, Sunday’s sermon was the best church message that I’ve heard in a long time man. I spent a lot of time thinking about it. I even felt a little, how should I say this, uh, convicted. I didn’t like how that felt all that much.
Good stuff. mpt
@MPT, I convicted Matthew Paul Turner. Yes, my goal has been achieved and I’m now stepping down from pulpit ministry.
I would love to have the opportunity to sit down with you and discuss this very topic.
Ever feel like the Incredible Hulk? You know, like there is something dangerous inside that you are trying to keep bottled up because people won’t understand it.
While it may not be the best metaphor, I think there is a God-sized dream, image, desire, that is bottled up within all of His children. That is an amazingly big thing but we are afraid to release our will to Him because we are afraid of what that will mean to our every day lives. I mean, really, what would people think if they found out that I love Jesus and believed and trusted everything His word has to say? Or even better, what will they say when we start behaving like we believe it?
And I don’t mean the tame, safe actions that we equate to good Christian lives… you know the ones (go to church Sunday morning, treat people with respect, don’t rock the boat because that would be unloving, have a brady-bunch family)… Not that these are bad things, but I think Christ called us to so much more.
It is WORK when we have to put on the face of Christianity that the world accepts because it is not natural and it is holding back what the Lord really wants to do in our lives.
It is JOY when we learn that only His will and kingdom matter.
Maybe its time to release the Hulk… of course, they won’t like it when I get ‘angry’.
Tony York’s last blog post..Tozer on the Holy Spirit
We are discussing your sermons in our small group and in preparation for this weeks, I tried to think what others there might be since I didn’t seem to relate to those. so I wanted to add one.
Fake it. Work it. Switch it. Quit it.
and
Deny it.
thoughts?
I tend to fall into the “Fake It” piece now and then.
Love the series Pete…the graphic is awesome.
joseph’s last blog post..Separation of Church and State IS NOT IN THE CONSTITUTION
@Pete:
I was trying to me nice, sincere even. And what do I get in return? Sarcasm. SARCASM?!?
Do you have Jesus in your truck, Pete? And if so, where is he? Your truck is little and doesn’t have a backseat.
And wherever he’s located, is he cracking jokes about people’s conviction? I don’t think so, Pete. I don’t think so.
You are awesome Pete Wilson.
mpt’s last blog post..mad church disease
My gap is wide and I often get caught in confusion about how to close it. I know where I want to be with God, totally in His Will yet I can’t get there. Great message.
Mel’s last blog post..Total Incompetence & Something Inspired
I’ve been reading your blog for awhile and feel the need to thank you. I feel like God is speaking to me through you. This post definitely was. For me it’s not any of the things you mentioned but more simply ignoring it or pretending I don’t know better when in reality I’ve always known better. Thanks for sharing yourself.
I think I go back and forth between fake it and work it…when I am honest enough to not fake it, it makes me realize how BIG the gap really is…and I had better do something to change that…so I can just work harder to make it happen. Both are so far from what God wants and ironically, increase the very gap I am “trying” to close!
Justin Davis’s last blog post..8 Things that Restored Our Marriage-Pt. 2
Switch it
My wife and I have changed churches 4 times in the last year and half. It’s like I land somewhere and when that doesn’t fix the problem and there becomes a need for accountability and transparency I start hunting for an excuse to leave.
@Lett, Wow! Thanks so much for your honesty. I’ve been there!
I think that I jump on the “work it” train a lot… and honestly… I think that instead of making me feel more “spiritual”, it exhausts me and makes me want to “quit it”… wow… I don’t even like admitting that at all.
Rachel’s last blog post..All for a measly $25.
I certainly see myself a bit in all of them, but I would say mostly quit it! I have always just given up on so many things, including my spiritual walk. More so, saying I believe in God, but for sure allow mediocrity to be ok. I get overwhelmed and just remain stuck at the red light. At least this has been my pattern for a while, but I know this cannot continue to be my path. There are just so many areas to work on and if too much is coming at me, I tend to just shut down. I am truely trying to remain in a smaller progressive state. This keeps me moving forward and the more I pray. The more God keeps me focused and not overwhelmed.
Gosh. I don’t know. I probably have done all of those things! I fall so obviously short of the goal every single day. But I know that I am a work in progress. It is only when I begin to think that I’ve overcome something lacking in me that God really kicks my sweaty philistine butt.
katdish’s last blog post..Stuff This Christian Likes: Catalyst One Day
Fantastic observations!
kc’s last blog post..Splash!
I love this post. I’ve been wondering the same thing this past weekend. How much will I give up to let the Lord lead me…truthfully, everything. Just how much do I love Christ above all else…even performing worship music…I may soon find out.
Suzanne’s last blog post..She said, then she said…
Bravo Pete! Honesty, transparency and humility! Good stuff! Praising God for the ministry you have in TN and here! Thankful I get to blessed by it! Keep up the laying it down and seeking His truth for your life! By dying more each day you are blessing us more and more!
Hugs and love in Christ!
Jill
Jill’s last blog post..Totally Terrific Tuesday – Give-away
@Mindy Trimble, I’m praying for you today. I pray God will move you beyond the “stuck” position you feel. I’m praying that you will abide in Christ from one moment to the next!
Sadly, I often default to faking. I talk a good game, having grown up in church since kindergarten. I was a good little Awana girl and I can still spout verses from all over the Bible (in the KJV, no less). I wish it weren’t true. I’m currently on a personal mission to be authentic in my spiritual walk, even when being real is messy.
Amanda Sims’s last blog post..It’s the Simple Things
Thanks Pete – it is refreshing to know there are AT LEAST two of us that Fake It, Work It, Switch It and Quit It. And here I thought it was just me!
I have defintiely faked it and quit it. And I often intend to work it…but I never get around to doing it good enough. I think what I have done most often, though, is just whine and complain about it.
Mary’s last blog post..Why wouldn’t I give the baby pasta for dinner?
And lest I leave the impression that I am all that bad, it’s not like I go through them all in one day! It usually takes me as much as a whole week to cycle through all of them.
Fake It
Work It , and lasty Quit It.
but im a big offender of Fake it. Huge Offender of it.
Im lovin this message Pete.
Adam O’s last blog post..A New Week…
I think I’ve done all but the ‘switch it’. I mean I’ve changed churches but usually to do with geography. I found the church that had the vision I wanted to be part of, and stuck with it – even though I’ve been tempted at times to ‘switch’ – I’ve definitely wrestled with it.
I spent a lot of student years doing the ‘work it’ and ‘quit it’ (usually the ‘work it’ would lead to burn out causing the ‘quit it’) and since I’ve been a Christian for a few years now and I thought once you got to a certain age you would have it ‘sorted’ and I don’t, I’m now a huge offender of the ‘fake it’ tactic. Trying actively not to do that anymore, via smallgroup and blogging.
Brunettekoala’s last blog post..Travelling Tuesday: Happy shoes for travelling feet
At my age, I’ve done all of these multiple times. Am currently in the “switch it” stage, yet feeling very guilty so essentially attending 2 churches. It feels wrong, but yet I’m not willing to give up either. What are the right reasons to leave one church for another?
Candy’s last blog post..A Day of Drama: Smells Like Chicken
Hey Pete,
talk about synchronicity…I just finished teaching at a retreat this weekend on a similar theme. I based it off the British subway slogan, “Mind the Gap.” Just can’t get better than pre-worked graphics. Same principle: Mind the gap between who you are and who God wants wants you to become. Mind the gap between the ancient scripture and it current relevance. Mind the gap between the life you live and the life you can imagine.
Have fun with it! Blessings.
Chris’s last blog post..The Kingdom in the Landscape
@Chris, that’s so cool. Hope the retreat went well.
I think I get caught up in the Work It part… if I just try harder or do what works for someone else, I will be more where I’m supposed to be. As I learn more about others’ habits and traditions I can get caught up in the thinking part of it rather than the spiritual part of it… where my intention should be.
gitz’s last blog post..Hey, Y’all – Throw Me The Ball
I find not revealing my true self. There are a handful of people I have allowed in but others only get part or half of who I really am. Also, wearing that ‘happy’ mask when I don’t feel the smurfiness coming through. I do this at work then when I get home, I have caught myself being a bear. Things to work on…absolutely. But I know with God in my corner, I can change and grow through anything!
Annie’s last blog post..Inside Job
Guilty. The most simple and easiest explanation for me to close the crazy wide gaps is to go back to the familiar and not so familiar scriptures and to learn again. I have become prideful in so many areas and God has been reminding me that I am not so mature as I have once thought.
Gosh.. this is so where my heart is right now. I’m so desperate for more of Him right now and I’m learning how to fill that desperation… not with more church or more bible study or more things.. but just an obession with Him. There has got to be more, you know? God is calling and asking me to move. Not sure exactly what, but my prayer for today is that He will show me where I can go from here….
Linnae Hoppe’s last blog post..Crazy Love
Fake it…work it…switch it…quit it…Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. When as a Christian you have been through all of these steps, it’s almost impossible to return to step number 1, “faking it.” Not bringing Simon Peter into the “faking it” column, but I think that many, after going through this well discribed journey, needs a little mercy in the morning or breakfast by the sea as Simon Peter did in John 21. Taking all these steps into account and the scripture mentioned, things look a lot more hopeful in the morning light and truth is not easily twisted in the early hours of the day.
Wow man. First, thanks for your faithfulness in giving this message. A lot of people may not understand what you personally might have gone through before you were able to deliver this one.
Me, I’m a worker. Right now I’m really dealing with the “trying to save my life” and learning how to try to lose it instead. I can’t wait to hear the rest of these.
And God, wreck me if I ever prostitute your Word.
mooney’s last blog post..Wake me up!