Almost Christianity

"I was almost your person today, Lord. Then I thought what it would have been like if Jesus had done the same thing. What if God had almost revealed himself in Jesus Christ? What if Christ were almost born and almost lived and almost died? What if he would have said, "Ask and it will almost be given you; seek and you will almost find; knock and it will almost be opened to you"? What if he would have said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will almost give you rest"? And what if Jesus had told his disciples, "For whosoever would save his life will lose it, and whosoever loses his life for my sake will almost find it"?

"My Almost Christianity took on a much different light. I realized how many times I had played the game of being one of Jesus' "almost disciples." I recalled how many times I had prayed almost believing and walked through my days as if he were almost risen.

'It was not a question of theology. It was a question of lifestyle. Whether or not I had a lifestyle that could match what I said I believed, whether or not, as some have said, I could walk my talk." -- Tim Hansel, When I Relax I Feel Guilty, p. 51

All of us have these "almost" days. Days when we decide to give up and let the world go by. We wonder if anything we have done has been worthwhile. Does anyone besides me care? As John Adams said in the musical 1776, "is anybody there?"

The Prophet Elisha had one of those days. Right after he had finished his greatest accomplishment. He had bested the prophets of Baal at their own game. He had called on the powers of the almighty God and his prayers had been answered. Sure, he made some powerful enemies who were out after his hide but a man who can call down heaven's fire ought not to worry about even a powerful woman's wrath.

Still, he did seem to be all alone, the only one who really cared about God. He was ready just to curl up and die. Then God sent angels to minister to him and give him rest and food. Usually when we are ready to give up we are so tired of hurrying and pushing and pulling and fighting that we just don't think it is worth it any more.

The ministering angels said one other thing to Elisha that we all need to hear. "You are not alone." There are 7000 more who believe as you do and who have been faithful to God. Men and women who will stand by you no matter what. It is somewhat like being in a car on the interstate. You are going 70 and being passed on the right and left. You are sure you are the only one on the big "I" who is obeying the speed limit. But, you know, you will never see those who are behind you or ahead of you who are going the same speed you are. The only cars you see are those going faster than you or the ones you pass because they are going slower than you. It is always dangerous to think of ourselves as the only ones.

The Bible says we are to take up our crosses daily and fallow him. Do you know how hard it is to "almost" take up your cross. It is a whole lot easier to carry than it is to drag. When we carry it we will do so with the help of unseen hands of the angels and we will find that this burden truly is light. Try it today.