Over the Top for Jesus

Do you ever have days where you see the same phrase over and over in different contexts? Yesterday it was "Over the Top" for me. I either heard or saw that phrase at lease 4 times. I like that phrase - over the top. Its a great 3 word description of how I like to live life.

I think its also a pretty good description of the kind of life that Jesus calls us to live. I am amazed to see so many Christians bored and apathetic about the Christian life. Sometimes I seriously think that they must be reading a different bible. How can you possibly miss the "over the top" calling that Christ has placed on us? How can you not see the amazing adventure that awaits us when we lay our own lives and agendas at the foot of the cross and pick up His?

A few years ago someone made an interesting comment to me about my hubby. They suggested that over time he would learn that he really should tone it down a little bit when it comes to his passion and zeal for Christ and ministry.

I'm sorry, what?

That was one of those moments where I couldn't believe my own two ears. Where in the bible does Jesus suggest that our love should be tame? What on earth would lead anyone to think that toning it down is an option in the Christian life?

This morning I was reading the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. Yet another reminder of the dangerous, wild love we are called to share with anyone and everyone whose paths we cross. The author of my bible study puts it like this:

If we are to be godly, we must be thoroughly enmeshed in humanity. Dangerously, blindly, and sacrificially, we must engage a world that is beaten, bloodied, and naked. And if we don't, we must question the status of our salvation. (The Preaching of Jesus, Moore & Weece)

I am so grateful that I married a man who is passionately in love with Jesus and who is willing to stick his neck out there in sacrificial commitment to his calling. I am hoping and praying today that we will be totally unafraid and unashamed to live out our faith with serious passion and total commitment.

After all, in the very words of Christ:

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:37-39

That doesn't sound tame or toned down to me. . . Sounds more like wild love and complete surrender.

Actually, I might go so far as to say it sounds a little over the top. Love it.