Confessions of a Khristian - [Matthew]

Ever cruised through the grocery store and seen a tub of Krab? It’s imitation crab, pollock infused with a crab-esque flavor and painted with an edible red stripe to give it that authentic ‘crab meat look.’

It looks like crab, kinda. It smells and tastes like crab, sort of. But the manufacturers let you know they’re in on the joke, too, when they name it ‘Krab’, in effect saying ‘hey, we know this isn’t real, but if you’re in the market for pseudo-crab, this may be the product for you.’

Many days, I feel like a Khristian. From ten feet away, I have all the markings. Read my Bible? Check. Actively living in community with other believers? Check. But walk with me, live with me, and you’ll wonder if you’ve picked the right tub of meat. What’s my motivation? Guilt? Routine? Do I talk to God? Sure, just like I talk to the person on the other side of the speakerbox at the drive thru.

Growing up in the church, you can get the idea that the Christian life is about becoming a good person. What a dim, neutered version of the truth. Whenever I think I understand Jesus’ abrasive, counter intuitive commands, I’ll read something else that tops it. Love those who curse you. Others first, you second (or last).

A Christian living out a non-Khristian life would not come across as a ‘good’ person. They would stand out from the crowd like a clown at a funeral. With no bumper sticker, t-shirt, or protest sign, their every move and breath would scream ‘Jesus’.

Crap. Could it be that simple? If I just did that, just imitated Christ, lived out what he taught, nothing more nothing less, what would happen? What would I look like then from ten feet away? Up close?

Is it possible I might even stop feeling like a Khristian?


[end ping]