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Pushing begets resistance. Did Jesus push? Not ever. Yet I yearn to be a better follower of Christ. Was I pushed into this desire? In the final analysis, no. Pressure can make a person act as the pushy group would like; while still harboring doubts and disbelief. I suspect many persons besides me have been in such curcumstances. Was my soul being fed? Rather, it was being starved and tortured. I was going through the prescribed motions, sincerely hopeful that my efforts would help me. But they instead became increasingly an exercise in futility. I was doing myself and others no good, indeed harm.

Jesus' life was a different sort than his contemporaries could understand . He would help anyone who had faith in Him. He would usually help anyone who asked for His assistance. He didn't seem to mind the company of sinners. But He was not an enabler of their continued sinning. He sharply corrected religious leaders who misused their authority or distorted the understanding of their "flock". He spoke with an authoritative message; yet was the gentlest of entreaters. He was not impressed with the ways of this world. How could He be the promised Messiah? No military skills and organization, no "going to get along" with His oppressed people's leaders. Not of the pattern; this was no David, no Elijah. But He had peculiarly magnetic ways about Him. He could draw a crowd. Somehow, He seemed to heal illnesses. What agenda was He pushing?

If Christ's agenda was to bring love and light into the hearts of mankind, would He approve of pressure tactics on the part of His own followers today? No. Christ was an example of unworldliness and love. His temples are to be found in each believer's heart. How is the seeking soul to recognize such a temple? How did some few recognize Christ for what and who He was? By His actions, by the fruit of His labors. When they did, they had a choice, take Him or leave Him. Notice, He didn't command his followers to march ahead, to take the field and take prisoners. No, His admonition was ,"Follow me."

It behooves us, then to follow Him. When we try to impress, by our "doctrines" , congregational size, splendid church structures, or money: we are taking on a burden heavier than He asked us to bear. Moreover we are presenting a high barrier between the seeking soul and salvation. We are, after all, sinners. If we follow closely, pray for others and ourselves, doing what He would have us do; He will draw the hungry souls to the Lord's table. Will we fall short in these things? Yes, but His grace is sufficient, His power will overcome. We need not push. We may want our way; but His is the only way.

Learn more about this author, Marcus Emery.
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