In a prior post, I wrote about the things that transpire into us being “jerks for Jesus”. This post was meant to show us that how we treat one another is imperative to Kingdom living. In the faith world, we often like to separate SACRED and SECULAR. The problem with this is that we become more concerned about where we are instead of who we are. This week’s post takes a different turn as we will focus on the main thing.

What is the main thing? A relationship with Jesus. Period. If you take a look around the Church today, you will see a lot of distracted people. We are distracted and we are indeed LOUD. Social media has given us all the platform to campaign for our causes. Our platforms are a beautiful and yet dangerous place because we fight the tension of speaking to hearts for transformation and creating content for attention. Name the cause and it has a following online. The cause also has people that will fight you for that particular cause if you disagree.

If you want to know what is important to you, take a look at what you post online. Cat videos? Political ads? Sports? Funny memes? Speaking for myself, I love creating silly memes of Jesus and church “stuff”. I believe sometimes we need to loosen up a little bit. I also believe that we are each given areas of influence in our lives, including our influence while engaging others online. I have had many faith conversations with people online or offline because of things that I have posted.

People are spiritually starving these days. What will you feed them? What are you feasting on? Don’t be so tied up in all these causes that you miss out on what God is doing right here, right now. This is an Election year and that brings with it a whole hot mess of feelings, agendas, and false promises. Don’t miss out on Jesus. Nothing can be more and everyone else is much less.

Yesterday was Easter Sunday! However, I believe that now is the perfect time to address “Attitudes That Kill the Kingdom”. It is imperative that we often examine our inner life and how we connect to God and others. After all, the inner life is what often bubbles to the surface in our outer life (witness).

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a rant from a JFJ (Jerk for Jesus)? Even worse, have YOU been the one acting like a Jerk for Jesus? Before we can address how to handle them, we must be able to identify what makes someone a Jerk for Jesus.

Argumentative Spirit – You know this person. They are in your church. They are in your family. They HAVE to be right. They know they are right. We often let these people run amuck in our churches, families, and workplaces for decades because no one wants to deal with their behavior. “They have always been like this”. Yes, and it is unhealthy, unChristian, and undermining of anything good and healthy.

How to Test for an Argumentative Spirit – Look for the fruit. Are they about helping other people or helping themselves? Do they control others or complement their life?

The Bible As a Weapon – The Bible is indeed a weapon. It is God’s Word and it is full of truths in your dealings with the Enemy. You know, the Enemy = Satan. However, it is often used to fight each other. Until we realize that we will not agree on everything in the Bible, we will continue to fight battles that are often centered on misinterpretations.

How to Test for The Bible-Packing Believer – Do they believe that one translation of the Bible is superior to others? Are they more concerned about using the Bible for information instead of transformation?

Look for the Dead Bodies – No, I am not referring to LITERAL dead bodies. Look at the evidence surrounding someone–especially in the church world. If that person has been in their position (paid or volunteer) and nothing has changed for years (or decades) and they continue to fail, they need to change or move on. So often, we allow people to be in positions of influence because of nepotism, lack of wanting to ask others to step up, or not wanting to offend anyone. These folks who fearfully hold positions of power and influence end up doing more harm in ministry than good. This attitude if left unchecked can turn your teams and church into a toxic culture.

How to Spot a Joy Killer – How willing are they to try new things/ideas? What is their attitude when you collaborate with them? Do they serve with enthusiasm or obligation?

I hope this blog post helps you in caring for your own soul and those around you.