Pretty sure the first time I saw this video, the tears of laughter streaming down my face did awesome things to my makeup…*
The second time I watched it, my laughter was accompanied by mental record-keeping of all the reasons why this video has to be a fake. Which, frankly, doesn’t make it any less funny to me. Evidence: I just watched it again and almost spit out my coffee when “Debbie” got to this line: “I’m sorry, I’m thinking about cats again.”
Just the idea that someone out there loves cats [shudder] with such emotion and unbalance is mind-bendingly entertaining to me. (Plus, some of the parodies are hysterical. Like this one.)
Balance. I’ve been thinking about that word a lot. Not because I’ve got Shawn Johnson aspirations. Please, I trip off sidewalks daily.
Nope, thinking about balance because of this book: Radical by David Platt. I’m only about halfway through—odd for me since I normally swim through books with Michael Phelps speed. (Two Olympic references in one post. Laura Redig, if you’re reading this, I hope you’re proud! Also, London 2012!!)
But Radical can’t be hurried. Every page is a dagger to apathy. Which is both exhausting and awesome. And with each chapter completed, I’m more and more convinced when it comes to true, Gospel-infused pursuit of Christ, there’s no room for balance.
Yes, I know we need “balance” in the general sense in many areas of life. In our eating and exercise habits, sure. In our work time versus family time, definitely. In our checkbooks, of course. (Shoot, does that mean I should return that purple shirt?)
But when it comes to all-out obedience and crazy pursuit of Christ? Put that kind of faith on a scale and nothing can ever out-tip it. Try to divvy it up, drop it in bits and pieces into daily life and it’s just not what it could be…what Jesus meant for it to be.
Jesus didn’t tell his disciples to lead balanced—logical, comfortable, sensible—lives. He told them drop what they were doing and follow him. He told others to sell everything, forget saying goodbye to their families, forgo burying their dead relatives. He calls us to abandon.
And abandon can’t be about balance.
And yet, how often I find myself holding back—my time, effort, money, energy—because “I just need a little balance in my life.”
Ask the disciples. Was there anything even slightly balanced about ditching their jobs and homes to follow Jesus, spreading His story around the world and in most cases, dying because of that message?
And yet, how often I find myself holding back—my time, effort, money, energy—because “I just need a little balance in my life.”
Is it possible we’ve—at least some of us—tricked ourselves into thinking we need a “balanced faith” that fits into the bigger puzzle that is our lives, alongside our families, jobs, social lives, hobbies…when really, the kind of outrageous calling Jesus issued points to a faith that doesn’t merely slide into place by the other pieces of our lives…it overtakes them?**
Is it possible in an effort to live a “balanced life,” I’ve settled for a faith that makes me feel secure…rather than one which strengthens me to face risk, discomfort, even danger? The first is nice; the second is all sorts of awesome.
Thing is, these are cool words and thought-provoking ideas, but what does it look like to throw off balance, to stop worrying about crossing into “extreme” territory, maybe even willingly step into it? What’s the practical application, the subsequent action? I’m not sure yet…guess I’ll have to finish Platt’s book.
But I do know, I’m thinking differently today about what faith looks like…and what it doesn’t. And I’m thinking too often, for me, “balance” is just an excuse not to go all out, give anything and everything, once and for all abandon a me-centered life—a me-centered view of Jesus—for the real Jesus.
The One who may ask for everything…but who’s worth sacrificing anything.
How about you? Maybe you don’t use the idea of “needing balance” as an excuse for lame, inactive faith, like I fear I sometimes do. But what, if anything, does get in the way of living out a radical faith for you? Any thoughts to add on whether “balance” can actually be a hindrance to sold-out faith? And…how do you feel about cats?
*****
*Thank you, Erin Dobraska, for introducing me to “Debbie” and her waaay unbalanced cat love…and for saying, “Melissa, that’s blog material.”
**Yes, I know this is a crazy long sentence!
Comments 3
Cats terrify. Read the 10 things on my blog. Oh I freak out. They’re scary, and they always look like they’re plotting ways to murder you. Eek.
I think one thing that may hold me back from radical faith, is rejection. Yep, Christ was rejected and it’s an honor to be rejected for faith. Doesn’t make it any easier. 🙂 Happy Friday, Tagg!
I just want them on a rainbow and to roll around on the bed with them…oh my…someone has issues.
Great food for thought. So often I hold back because my comfort zone is cozy and stepping outside of it takes courage I don’t always have. Good thing He has enough for both of us. 🙂
I just read this on someone’s Facebook profile:
“You will never look into the eyes of someone Christ didn’t die for” Mark Moore
I soooo agree, Jess, cats creep me out. Although, kittens=kinda cute. It’s just too bad they have to grow up.
And LJ, yes, issues. Or…she’s just a good actress who’s perfectly willing to make a fool of herself. 🙂 That’s my hope anyway.
I agree with you both…worry about rejection and cozy comfort zones ARE big stumbling blocks. Sweet quote, LJ.
p.s. Seriously wish I could get the “Can’t Hug Every Cat” song outta my head…