If Christianity is real, and I firmly believe it is, then it calls for us to live with passionate abandon, not hamstrung with caution and uncertainty. In this week's installment of my weekly Messages About Purpose and Strategy, I want you to take a fresh look at Thomas in John 20. He was a little reluctant to get excited. He didn't want to get his hopes up and risk disappointment. But once he got a good look at Jesus alive, he blurted out: "My Lord and my God!"

What a radically risky thing to say in that setting. All the gathered disciples were militantly monotheistic Jews, who would not have tolerated such blaspheme. But the previously cautious Thomas demonstrated abandon in his worship. I picture him thinking, "It's all true! Life will never again be business as usual. The stagnant status quo is no longer an option for any of us!"

Why be worried about what others think? Followers of Jesus are to be raving fans. Don't hold back. Take a look at this radical quote from Mike Yaconelli, "I'm ready for a Christianity that ruins my life, that captures my heart and makes me uncomfortable. I want to be filled with an astonishment which is so captivating that I am considered wild and unpredictable." You may think that sounds too risky. I think it sounds like Christ's version of Christianity! Reread Matt 16:24,25 and remember how high Jesus set the bar.

Do you know what self- consciousness has in common with self-absorption, self- gratification, self-indulgence, &
self- righteousness? It is just one more self-hyphenated word. That's the world's way. But we believe Jesus died for us, rose again and gives us the reason and power to live for him forever!