by Stephen Surgener

Created on: April 02, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

Christian: believer in Jesus Christ as savior: somebody who believes that Jesus Christ was sent to the world by God to save humanity, and who tries to follow his teachings and example

Most have seen stereotypical portrayals of Jesus Christ. Scenes of the dirty masses, hunched over and milling about, suddenly being awe struck by the presence of the only white guy in the Middle East. A baby faced, noodle armed man, stepping forward with the poise of finishing school etiquette, speaking in tones mostly found in libraries. Is this really a Scriptural representation of Christ? Even the most academic review of the simplest passage would have to result in an unquestionable, No! The most common fact known about Christ by the world as well as the church, is Christ was the son of a carpenter, and Himself worked as a carpenter. By adding a touch of critical thinking, a statement of occupation becomes a description of build and appearance. Knowing there were no power tools, no Home Depot's, that everything was done by hand, would it be such a stretch to view Christ as a strong man, with rough, calloused hands, and average looking weathered features? Of course not.

In many ways, the life of Christ leading up to His ministry was very "average". A 30 year existence that stands in stark contrast to His roughly 3 year ministry. Doe this then mean we are, as Christians, to live a life of average mediocrity? To have our days represent some kind of quiet, subtle testimony to the peace, love, and salvation held within a relationship with Christ? Again, a resounding "No" should eco through the corridors of your mind. To think so is to ignore the lesson of Christ's being born of a woman in the first place. First: there is a time of establishing an intimate relationship with Christ. In Jesus' case, it was with the Father. A time of growth, and fortitude. A time of establishing discernment, temperance, direction and focus. Second: there is a time of servitude, not simply for self (growth), but true work. It is a striving to fulfill the purpose for which we were born, and there is nothing "average" or "quiet" about following God's plan. (a comparative study of any one of a multitude of lives recorded in Scripture endorses this principle) And this is not a pattern set by Christ, but rather a pattern that Christ Himself followed. It is in fact a Scriptural principle that is a cornerstone not only in a Christian life, but has been a governing process of human existence since the dawn of

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