Interview with a friend.

This blog post was inspired by my friend Joe.

Joe and I have known each other for a little while. Joe is not a Christian, and we have had many discussions about Christianity. Joe is really intelligent when it comes to religion, politics, sports, and lots more. Because of our very different opinions about faith we have certainly have some conflict in our friendship. But we have stuck it out, and the two of us have a good time hanging out. I was discussing with a friend, if Christian/non-Christian friendships work and are worth pursuing. I said definitely. Joe and I began to discuss some of the positives of our relationship and Joe decided to turn this into a blog post. He gave me permission to log the conversation and post it here. Most of what was said is a direct quote, only minor changes have been made for grammer, spelling, and context. Please check out Joe's blog here to learn some more about him.

The Interview:
(Chris will be in red, and Joe will be in blue)

In your words, how did you and Chris become friends?

Joe:  'Chris and Joe encountered each other at McKay. Joe was with a friend and Chris offered us a ride to IV. They then we found out that we were taking a class with each other in MGT 301.

I didn't talk to Chris a lot in MGT 301 and didn’t even want to ride with Chris to Herbert AZ to fall conference .Anyways I get to fall conference riding with my good friend Daniel Sloan.

Then I get grouped up with Chris’ bible study group, but I had a bad time at fall conference. He checked to see if I was alright and the seed was planted.

 Then Chris and I as well as a two others go out to the woods we encounter a nice sky with stars.

From then on we became friends.'

So how has our friendship changed since fall conference?

 Joe:  'After fall conference we started to talk more and made an effort to hangout.

Also other Christian friends didn’t have time to hangout or didn't want to.

 The experience at fall conference created a great chemistry in what otherwise shouldn't have been a friendship.'

So how have you benefited from being my friend?

Joe: 'I have benefited by learning more about the Christian way which I do have a disagreement with. The close friendship has built a bond of trust which is important. The sense of connection is strong, for instance, I can say the stupidest or do the stupidest thing and I feel like I still would have support at the least. When other friends would point negatives you don’t say ‘Shut up Joe or get over it’'

 How am I different from other Christian people you have been friends with in the past?

Joe:  'People I've talked to in the past that were Christian are sensitive, what I mean by that is if you say you like one of their friends they will go and tell them or if you say something politically incorrect they don’t want to hear it. When talking to you, Chris, I don’t feel the need to hide stuff from you. I can just be myself.'

What have you learned from me?

Joe: ' I have learned to watch what I say to people because sometimes it’s not going to benefit me. Also, Forget about the past and focus on the present. Lastly, Be more confident and stop being paranoid.'

What was your first impression of me before you knew me?

Chris: 'Ok, good question

So I remember running into Joe at IV, and class a few times, but I the thing I remember most was the first night of fall conference Joe was in my camp small group and we along with 2 other dudes were meeting in our bunk house. I thought Joe was really cool.

He told me that he wanted to be a sports announcer, and I totally thought he had the voice for it.

I actually assumed that the Joe was a Christian because it was a Christian camp, and he seemed to be just as knowledgeable as the other guys in the group'

What benefits do you see from our friendship?

Chris:  'Well my friendship with Joe has developed a lot throughout this year, but he has taught be a lot.

I benefit as a student, through Joe helping me study, and be accountable to my work.

I benefit as a person, through Joe helping me to be on time, true to my word, and listen carefully.

I benefit as a citizen, through Joe keeping me updated on social and political issues.

Also, I benefit as a Christian, through interesting conversations and prayer'

What are some of the strengths you see in Joe?

Chris: 'The strengths I see in Joe are as follows;

Joe is very passionate about certain things, he everything to things he cares about, like Phillies baseball. Joe is very intelligent, With a GPA of like 3.6 or something, and is able to think of really good points, when we are having conversations. Joe is also really loyal, I can count on him that he will do what he says he will do. Lastly, Joe has shed is fear of a lot of things he isn’t afraid to voice his opinion and takes a stand for what he cares about'

Where do you see our friendship going in the future?

Chris: 'I see our friendship continuing to develop. I foresee that we will continue to be friends, and will support each other through the rest of our college career, and even beyond. It is my great hope that Joe will one day join me in the ranks of Kingdom of Heaven, but I know that we will learn a lot from each other and both be better people because of our friendship either way.'

What have you learned from me?

Chris: 'I have learned that Scripture relates to everyone in some way. For example Joe loves sports analogies in the context of Scripture. I have also learned to be passionate about the things that you care about, and pursue them.'

 As you can see from this short interview, we have each learned something from each other. Joe and I are both better people because of each other. I am thankful for this friendship and I am eager to see how it continues to develop. 

Go...

Robert: age 18
Robert hardly sleeps anymore. He stays up late to get to the next party or drunken adventure. His 'fun' doesn't start till most people are already sleeping. Every night he drinks more and more, to keep himself satisfied. He tells his friends he is really happy and really enjoys life, but when he is alone he holds back tears. He's not even close to his drinking buddies, he sits at home and listens to some music all the while waiting feeling empty, just waiting for the next night ...

Teresa: age 18
Teresa hasn't slept in days. It was a little less than a week ago that she was raped by her best friend. One thing led to the next and boundaries were passed. She tries to cry herself to sleep, but her emotions prevent her from doing so. She feels dirty, guilty, and ashamed. She lies to herself "it was her fault." She can't erase the scars, but she can't move on either ...

Jacob: age 19
Jacob hasn't been sleeping well. He trusted his roommate with his most personal secret. Jacob struggles with homosexuality. Jacob's roommate was so scared, and defensive at his news. His roommate teased him relentlessly, and Jacob stopped going to his dorm. Not having to many other friends he sleeps in the 24 hour computer lab on the couch if the person working the desk doesn't kick him out ...

Coleen: age 23
Coleen gave up sleeping when she had a baby. Being that she is one of the first in her entire family to even go to college, she tries desperately to make all her ends meet. She tries to balance getting a degree, and raising a child by herself. But she isn't sure how long she can keep the game up. The University keeps taking more and more money from her, and she is only able to afford school because of an inheritance. She wonders every night if shes doing what is best for her son...

Zac: age 20
Zac sleeps 'with one eye open' every night. Zac made some awesome Christian friends and has been trying to experience Christianity for himself. But when his father found this out he became very upset. His father never wanted Zac to spend time with these friends. He tells Zac not to return home, and that if he tries to go to his sisters wedding he will hurt him. Zac cries thinking about the choices he has ahead of him ...

Janette:  age 21
Janette tries to sleep often, but never feels rested. She is always exhausted and weak. When she looks in the mirror she is horrified with her body. She doesn't feel perfect, or even pretty. She tells herself that nobody will love her, and that she is so overweight. She forces herself to throw up again, but still doesn't feel any prettier. She is so weak that it seems all she wants to do is sleep now, but she can bring herself to because she is never at peace ...

Dallas: age 18
Dallas decided there is no point in going to sleep your last night on earth. Dallas feels completely disconnected from everything and everyone. Dallas feels homesick, but he tells himself that his parents don't miss him. After he got rejected from Frat he rushed, and the program he applied for, life just didn't make sense. He writes a 'goodbye' letter, and just contemplates if he is 'man enough' to follow through this time ...

Jessica: age 17
Jessica has been pulling all nighters several days in a row.  She has a grades to maintain, classes, meetings. She just wants to make her parents so proud. She downs some energy drinks and starts studying. She ignores her feelings begging her to spend some time with friends. Eat a meal at the union. Go on a nature hike. She drowns them out night after night with books and homework. This will make my family proud she thinks ...

Taylor: age 22
Taylor can't sleep tonight, if he does he could die. There is so much drugs and alcohol in his system right now that willingly going unconscious is a terrible plan. Taylor thinks about the friends, the scholarship and all the money he has lost. He hears sirens and wonders if he will end up in jail or the hospital again. He tells himself he needs to turn his life around, but just doesn't know how to...

Lindsay: age 22
Lindsay doesn't like sleeping anymore. She shares a bed with someone she no longer cares for. Her heart is always torn. She never quite knows what to do. She finds herself living in the 'uncomfortable' but tells her self its 'normal'. She wonders if her bed-mate even loves her, he must, that's why they have been together so long....

Chris: age 21
Chris can't sleep tonight either. Most nights he goes to bed feeling loved, comforted, respected, and secure. But tonight is different. 10 people are on his mind. 10 people which he has neglected to invite to know Jesus. 10 people which are awake right now, not feeling loved, comforted, respected, or secure. 10 people which Chris' has kept a pearl of great price hidden from. 10 people who need Jesus now more than ever. Chris begins to pray for these people, and how to introduce them to Jesus, and how he loves them so...

Jesus: age ∞
Jesus never sleeps. Not while people he loves are hurt. Not while they don't know him. Jesus says to these people "I use the weak to lead the strong, I empower the humble, I lift up the weary, I heal the sick, and mend the broken. I set the captives free, I satisfy all who are thirsty. I am coming back soon and that day I will dry every tear. Come and embrace me who has loved you since before time even began, fall into the arms of the One who died for you." Jesus never stops reveling himself to his people.


What to do with these stories:
Sometimes I find myself thinking that sharing the gospel is hard. I get nervous, and uneasy about what to say. But it is clear to me now that sharing the gospel is not something I have to do, but something I want to do. I think of the pain that 10 real people (names have been changed to protect identities) are experiencing. I take the relationship I have with Jesus Christ for granted. I forget how desperate I am for sweet grace. I think back to three long years ago before I knew Jesus. I think of my own pain and hurt, and I know my friends are feeling even worse. So no more will I conceal who Jesus is. No more will I be to scared to invite my friends to know him. No more will worry about what to say. This world won't sleep till everyone knows Jesus, and Jesus won't sleep till everyone knows him.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirits" Matthew (28:19)

Is it really a waste?

Recently I have got some opposition for my faith. It comes in public realms, as well as in private conversations. After some of these instances it made me sit down and think about what I am doing. Why am I serving a God that I cant see with my eyes? Why did I die to myself to live for another? Why do I say not my will but yours? Is any of this worth it? All of these questions were narrowed to one major question "Am I wasting my life, the only one I get?" After spending hours thinking about it, the answer is simple... No.

I will approach how I came to this answer from several angles. The first is that as a Christian I am a better person. I am a better husband, friend, brother, and son because of my faith. It is obvious when you look at the history of my life. Before I was a Christian, I had many failed relationships with friends. I fought with siblings, and parents all the time. After becoming a Christian I am seeing people through a new lens. I try to love people even amidst their (sometimes long) list of flaws.  Don't get me wrong, I still grow impatient with my family and friends, but I still approach how I feel about people much differently. I am today a greater person because of Christ.

Another thing to consider is where I would be if I wasn't a Christian. A friend of my asked me that exact question one time. I responded with "powerful for the kingdom of Hell." If I am honest with you that is where I would be. Before I was a Christian I was longing to do something with my life. To have a sense of purpose, to change the world. I think if presented with the option of changing the world for the worse, I would still be on board. So it is worth it to me to be a Christian just to take myself away from being used for the furtherance of evil.

 What about all the things that you can't do? What about all the things that you have had to sacrifice? These are all questions that I have been asked and thought about thoroughly. Needless to say as a Christian there are many things, (especially considering that I am in college) that I have had to sacrifice. But if I am honest, anything that I think through I don't miss. I mean think of Pre-marital sex. All it takes is watching one episode of "Teen Mom" to make me realize that sacrificing having sex before marriage is one of the wisest decisions I ever made. Along the same lines there are things like pornography or being sexually immoral. But if you set aside your feelings about this for a second think about how much pain is associated with pornography or prostitution, even one night stands. The hurt, the regret, the sadness, the shame. Next time you thing about participating in these acts just remember that someday that might be your daughter, or your sister. Our culture may lie to us that these things are 'manly' but I for one feel more like a man every time I say no to these things. Because there is nothing manly about not protecting women. It isn't just sexual acts that are sacrificed. The life of partying, drinking, and drugs are all given up as well. It ought to be easy to understand why I willingly give these things up. Why would I want to do something to my body in which I am inhibited from thinking clearly or acting maturely. We are told we are 'cooler' the more we party or drink, but honestly, I think we just look 'sillier.'

Something that seems to always keep people from following Jesus is the 'rulebook.' There seems to be this widespread lie that being a Christian is all about following rules, being controlled. A real 'obey or die' sort of illusion. If The bible tells us that there is not even condemnation for [breaking the rules] when you are saved by Jesus. Never in my life when I have sinned, have I had to sit down with a pastor or religious leader and be lectured about what a bad person I am. I don't live my life thinking to myself daily about all the rules I must follow. Yes I do sin, I do screw up, and each time I hand these things to Jesus, and say, "thank you for becoming this thing. Thank you for saving me, thank you for bearing my burden." Being a Christian isn't about following the law and being controlled but some authority. Its honestly only about this crazy, insane, love relationship between me and Jesus, and me following this awesome person anywhere he leads me.

The last argument specifically goes out to anyone that is walking this narrow path with me. Any one that is part of this great family of Christ, please read these next few sentences thoroughly. Let me start by saying that my life isn't boring. It is certainly packed with more stuff, but it is Fun, it is Exciting, it is Awesome. My life has been so much better ever since I became a Christian. My life feels like it has purpose. I am not just trying to stockpile as much money as possible, or become as powerful as possible. I am trying to share my treasure with as many people as possible. Every day that someone I know comes closer to knowing Jesus one of the most exciting moments of my life. Sure being a Christian can be overwhelming sometimes. There is still pain, hurt, suffering, and burn out. But it's worth it. It's worth it just to be 'alive.' Just to taste what changing the world feels like. Just to know that I am living daily for one who creates galaxies! It is awesome.

So the answer is that it is not a waste. If I wasn't a Christian I would bored, distracted, annoying, empty, lost, frustrated, confused, angry, hurtful, and spent or wasted. However as a Christian I am; renewed, healed, excited, loving, happy, encouraged, and Alive!

So the long and short of it is that following Jesus is great. It is very hard sometimes, and this path is cleverly called the narrow one. But it is so worth it. It is so great. It is not a waste, and I am sure that 100 out of 100 times if I were to relive my life I would choose to change the world. I would choose to live life to the fullest! I would choose to follow Jesus! I know you would too!

Transform!

The mission statement for campus ministry that I am involved with goes something like this; "[Intervarsity's Mission is to] Transform the lives of students and faculty, Renew the campus, and Change the world for and through Jesus Christ. This three part blog post will be dedicated to how myself, as well as Intervarsity is doing these things.

I guess we will start from the top. Transform. It seems hard for me to believe, but it was just 3 years ago that I became a Christian. It was in my Residence Hall game room. My testimony is a clear example of how Intervarsity is transforming students. I was even 'interviewed' to share my experiences with other members of the organization to help them transform other students that are in a similar situation to myself when I was a freshman. It has been this year more than ever that I am seeing true transformation take place.

Last year there were several people that I influenced. It is this year that I have seen their life truly take flight. They have a transformed mindset and an transformed live style. It is so encouraging to see how these people have matured, and how they are influencing others now.

The excitement of the growth from students from last year doesn't compare to the excitement I have for some students for this year. In the first few weeks of school I have challenged two students to give their entire lives to Jesus. I have told these students, that nothing short of 'dying' to yourself will be enough. Both of these students received this well, and are transforming how they act, and treat people to be more missional, and to be a better light to their friends and family.

I also am helping to transform a students life that 'believes' in God, but isn't sure if living for Jesus is worth it. I am excited to see how this student will transform over the year. The risks that this student is taking, and the honesty is encouraging on so many levels. I am already seeing this students view of Jesus, God, and even the Church change. This student is starting to see things from a different view, and moving back towards the path of giving their life whole heartily to Jesus.

The last student that I want to mention is not a Christian. I have had many talks with this student and their perspectives are so awesome. I am already seeing this student transform the way that they think, live, and act. I am committed to meeting with this student on a regular basis all year to 'walk' along side Jesus, and to see what it is that He is offering. This student is being changed in great ways and I can't wait to see what becomes of it.

Students on Campus are being transformed all over campus. We are being changed in Word, Deed, and Prayer. We are a generation that is moving away from being dull, boring, and stagnant to one that is passionate, alive, and world changing. These students are living testimonies of Gods power, and love. They also speak for the transforming power that the body of Christ has, when used well. Intervarsity wisely choose the word transform to explain what it is that we are trying to accomplish in students lives. And if I am honest, through Jesus Christ, we are doing just that.

Read more about Intervarsity Christian Fellowship!
Meet the Chapter at Northern Arizona University!

The Bottom Line.

School most years I find a little dull, uninteresting, and irrelevant. This year in particular is no exception. In fact it has increased. I tried for a little while to brush this off as 'senioritis' but this clearly wasn't the case. There has been something going on this last 3 weeks of school, that has brought up more doubt, more confusion, and frustration than ever before. It took me a while to pinpoint exactly what the problem was, and I never expected to learn a lesson about Jesus in it, but since I did, here goes my thoughts about Jesus and Business School.

Business School this year, (as well as most years) is all about money. We will have several hour lectures on exchange rates, the future value of a dollar, and how to make money. If I was to sum up what the last 4 years of business school has taught me it is this; 'Make as much money as possible, whatever it takes.'

In fact that statement isn't that far from the truth. In my senior business class my instructor said 'To be a good business person there are 3 things to do.

1. Make money,
2. Keep shareholders happy,
3. Always act ethically and responsibly, unless when it violates 1 or 2.'

Now if that doesn't jump out at you right away, then read it a few more times. Get why that is messed up right now. This is what my college is teaching the future business leaders of our nation. That the most important thing to do is make money. Indirectly, we are also be taught that personal safety, health, and even human life in general has a price. I am coming to that conclusion because, there is a simple formula to follow.

(e) = Event
(R) = Cost to remedy a situation, with court settlements etc.
(z) = Potential profit margin increase from (e)

If z > R we are taught at business school that this is a good idea. It is easier to mess up someones life, and take the burden of lawsuits since it will be creating more money for the shareholders.

Needless to say, it should be clear why Im starting to become more and more uninterested in business school. If there was one giant thing that was holding me back from being a better Christian it was money. But I realized that the American Dream is crap compared to the Kingdom Dream! The America Dream says, make as much money and get as much fame for yourself as possible. The Kingdom Dream, says give away all your money and everything you own of value, and get as much fame for Jesus as possible. Truth be told, the Kingdom Dream is so much better. I wish I could get a major in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Now this talk isn't actually about money, even though Ill write a blog post eventually elaborating on some of these elements. This blog post is actually about something else. The fact is in business school something I hear alot is "the bottom line." Essentially this phrase means what is the absolutely lowest I can acquire this for. In a business deal, someone would say this when they are trying to eliminate as many costs as possible.

Ironically this phrase was something I was thinking about alot today. I was trying to imagine what life today would look like if Jesus said to the Father, "Ok dad, whats the bottom line here? What is cheapest price I have to pay to reconcile your wrath and save these people?" Lucky for us, Jesus is a terrible business man (at least according to our culture, perhaps, he is the best example of a businessman there is, let that stew for a while)
Jesus, instead said, "I will give everything, including life itself to reconcile the wrath of God and save the world." The more I think about it, Jesus gave everything when he didn't have to. So what is the 'Bottom Line' for me. The minimal amount I can give, is my life. Giving my life to Jesus is the bottom line. It is the cheapest, I can obtain everlasting life, and a relationship with God. Now that we have establish that "the bottom line." is a rather corrupt business tactic, I think its safe to say that I don't want to give God the minimal amount. Especially when we know that God will multiply my investment 10 fold. In fact from a business standpoint, giving God everything will yield the highest return. So let us follow the example of Jesus, and ask not the Father "what is the bottom line here?" Instead let us give God everything and then ask "What more can I give you today?"

It has always been about Him!

Recently, I was overcome with a case of stubbornness. I started viewing my life as a Christian differently. I began thinking that I had all the answers. I was getting tired of hearing the same old questions over and over again. Listening to people deal with the same problems. I even starting tell God what to do... It was a rough time. I wanted things to be about me, and I didn't want to listen to feedback or get support.

One night came around, I was eagerly waiting for it. All of my friends were returning from summer breaks. I had a list of people to talk to, and to meet. I had been excited for a long time. However when this day came, and all my friends were joined in one place, God showed up and messed up all my plans.

A conversation about God came up with a friend of mine, I felt the Spirit Leading me to pursue and develop this conversation. Now don't get me wrong, I love talking about God, but in this moment, I really didn't want to. I knew this conversation would go on all night, and even if it was fruitful, I really wanted to see my friends. I even tried to change the subject, and get out of the conversation to get back with my friends. That was when I started to feel almost sick. God spoke into my heart, and commanded me to have this conversation. I obeyed, but remember thinking to myself, "God you better explain yourself later." I felt this way, because I said that I was commanded to have this conversation, I wasn't asked, it was a very different feeling.

I spent all night talking with this person about God. The conversation was very fruitful, and I was actually very grateful that I got to participate in such a great talk. When I got home, I thanked God for the fruit that came from the conversation, but deep down, I still was a little upset I didn't get to see my friends. Not to mention I felt almost insulted by the way which I felt I was commanded to do something.

"God I didn't want to do that," I found myself thinking. God spoke to me, "Its never been about you." I was almost jaw dropping shocked. These words were painted on my heart. He was absolutely correct. It wasn't about me. Who am I to feel insulted when God Almighty asks me to do something. He reminded me that I am a servant, and that on Oct 16th from several years ago, I made a commitment to lay down the things that I wanted, for the things that He wanted. It has always been about Him!

I felt terrible for the way which I had approached my faith. The way which I had forgot the meaning of reverence, and the sacrifices that took place for me to be able to communicate with God himself so openly.
"Ok, Father, you're right, It has and will always be about you, Please reveal to me how I can serve you tomorrow." It was a very humbling moment and prayer. But nevertheless, it has been very fruitful. God has blessed me by revealing to me how I can be a servant each day. It was in that moment, I realized that being 'commanded' by God to do anything, isn't insulting, but an honor.