What it means to be a Christian

I slumped in my seat annoyed. I had been anticipating school letting out and having my summer off. I was counting on sleeping in, pigging out on junk food, and doing whatever I wanted. I had plans to be a human sloth.

My mother had other ideas. She had signed me up for vacation bible school (VBS) set to start my first week off. I had a few friends in the classroom with me. My teacher was a friend of my mom’s. However, I wanted no part of the program.

VBS was interrupting my plans for the summer. Instead of sleeping 15-20 hours a day like your average sloth, I was wide awake in the basement of our church. Oh it’s sacrilegious, but that’s the last place I wanted to be.

The teacher must have sensed my reaction. Early in the first session, she had me come to the front of the small classroom. She called two other kids to stand beside me and gave us the title of disciples. We were one of Jesus Christ’s twelve original followers. She gave us each a mini toga outfit kept together by a rope and a safety pin. The costume fit right over our t-shirt and shorts. When I put on the costume, I promptly stuck myself with the pin. She explained that Jesus was attracting large crowds. We were tasked with helping Jesus spread his good news. How would we seat everyone so that they could see and hear Jesus? What would we tell other travelers about Jesus?

I thought to myself, “yea, yea, nice game of make-believe Mrs. Yoder. Where were the cool outfits when we wanted to play Army Soldier or Astronaut? Nice try, but I’d still rather be home watching cartoons and eating chips and ice cream.”

When my classmates looked down and fidgeted in their seats, I remember her specifically asking me what I would tell others about Jesus and how he helped me? I forget my answer. I have a good memory, but the years have taken their tool. Still, I’m pretty sure the gist of my comment was that Jesus was “a nice guy.”

Oh, what a thought-provoking response! Ugh.

How will you give Brian?

Finally, our teacher mentioned that everything was going great. It was late in the afternoon, however, and no one had eaten. How would we feed everyone who had come out to the mountain to listen to Jesus? How would we go about feeding our classmates? One of my fellow “disciples” said he didn’t know that he was supposed to bring a snack for everyone. The other disciple suggested the first disciple bring in Oreos next time because that was his favorite. The class all laughed at us.

The teacher paid no attention to the laughing kids. She gave us a small baggie with a handful of crackers and told us that we had to find a way to feed everyone. I specifically remember my mom’s friend leaning over and telling me that Jesus and my classmates were counting on me.

Of course, the teacher was talking about Jesus turning the loaves of bread and fish into plenty for the multitude. For the first time, I took the class seriously. I felt a pang of guilt for not giving VBS my full attention. How would I share? I needed to make sure that everyone was cared for.

She challenged us to share from our hearts.

“When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over—twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.” –Matthew 14:15-21

Making it real.

We had only a few crackers, but we found a way to half them and then cut them into thirds to make sure that everyone got something to eat. As I mentioned, the story is a lifetime ago, but I find I think about the memory a lot. At an early age, it helped me understand empathy and compassion and it got to the heart of Christ’s message.

I feel like some have lost the meaning of what it means to be a Christian. I’ve been especially turned off when I hear Christians, religious leaders, and politicians of all shapes and sizes promote religious teachings and then the next words out of their mouth are not forgiveness, love, and resurrection, but words that separate us.

Here’s what I mean:

Example #1. When he learned that Robert Muller had died, President Trump last week abandoned any sense of respect, decency and decorum by saying, “good. I’m glad he’s dead.” Mueller served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer during the Vietnam War, received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and served decades as civil servant. And this is how we say thank you? Trump complained about Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Of course, he conveniently forgot to mention that his then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is the one who appointed Mueller. “Good, I’m glad he’s dead.” That doesn’t sound like Christ to me.

Example #2. In a speech this week, Evangelist Franklin Graham overlooked Trump’s abuse of the Constitution and law and order, saying he loved him, and claimed that he has been raised up by God for our current troubles. Anyone who is not in Trump’s friend group or hasn’t profited from his business dealings might have issues with that statement.

Example #3. Finally, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has regularly framed military action as a religious endeavor. He emphasizes this especially in the context of Iran. He believes it is supported and protected by God. Meanwhile, I can’t help but remember Jesus saying to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. In fact, Pope Leo in his Palm Sunday message reminded believers that God is the “king of peace,” rejects violence, and comforts those who are oppressed.

Red letters of the Bible

It’s when I’m on social media too. I see people talking about the love in their heart, but they fail to understand why someone may have taken a wrong turn or need a boost to help pay for groceries. They seem to focus more on the eye for an eye section of the bible than Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness.

Finally, they talk about illegal immigration, enforcing pro-birth laws, and war, but I don’t hear much about:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the Sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” –Matthew 5: 3-12.

It makes me think that nowadays not all Christians are …. Christian.

Finally, it makes me grateful that someone cared enough to teach me empathy as a kid. My parents, teachers, and mentors taught me respect for all people. They didn’t delineate from those who look, talk, and think differently than I do.

Yes, here’s to loving the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind and loving your neighbor as yourself.

Happy Easter Week.