Why God?

There are times in life when I question my faith. Walking down the street I wonder, “Am I crazy to believe in God? What if there is no God and I’m wasting my whole life.”

Seriously. I aim to shape my life around a guy who lived thousands of years ago. Tell me that isn’t crazy.

After these sudden “reality checks” when I stop feeling woozy the puzzle pieces come together. I look around at the people on the street and I see the sense of loss, lack of fulfillment, struggles, suffering, emptiness and vanity. I see these things in myself.

When I look into the eyes and hearts of our world the truth, for me, settles in. Christians for centuries have called the message of Jesus the “gospel”. Sounds weird eh? Like gospel hour or gospel truth. But the word means good news…really?

It’s funny how Jesus’ message gets lost in translation. We often hear the Christian message and feel guilt, manipulation and power with no regard for individuals. It’s anything but good news. Try depressing.

Recently I read the mission of a Christian organization, which was to “save souls”. Really? That’s all people are…souls? That’s the good news of Jesus, a transfer of funds, from hell to heaven with no regard for us as people? Is that the kind of God we believe in?

It’s too bad that the person of Jesus and His message gets lost in translation. As I read about Jesus and know Him personally I am convinced that He is “good news.” Who doesn’t need mercy, forgiveness, grace, healing and a new start in life, again and again?

When I think, “am I crazy to believe in God”, the answer is yes. It is crazy, totally. Any kind of faith is crazy. The only thing that makes faith reasonable and worthwhile is what we have faith in.

Politics

The other day I saw Jack Layton on T.V., Canada’s most popular politician with “social” interests. It made me sick.

When will politicians ever learn? Especially in Canada. When I turn on the TV, when elections are in full swing, I always feel the slime. Lies covered up with jargon and fake half smiles. These are the people leading our country? People who don’t know how to tell the truth?

Different people have different views on Barack Obama. Whatever your stance, it’s fair to say he’s done well so far. Why? Because he actually believes in what he is communicating to the public. Sure, there is some maneuvering going on. Political maneuvering is necessary in all arenas, but how we do this maneuvering makes the difference.

I never believe politicians in Canada. I don’t hear honesty in their voices. I don’t trust them. From what I’ve seen, Pierre Trudeau, although not perfect, seemed like a trustworthy man; a leader of influence.

What does this have to do with God or our spiritual lives? Justice: leaders are called by God to lead justly. God asks leaders to govern with wisdom, honesty, integrity and transparency. Samuel was one such leader…one of a few.

Are we seeking Justice in our own lives? Do we have others best intentions in mind? How are we communicating those intentions; with love or ulterior motives and intentions?

Imagine what our world would look like if people led like Jesus:

Matthew 5
The Beatitudes
1Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying: 3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.