What Would Jesus Do?

I didn't hear or see it on the Emmy's, but I have since been informed about what Kathy Griffin said about Jesus when she accepted her emmy for My Life On The D-List.  Here is part of the quote:

"Lots of people come up here and they thank Jesus for this award.  I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus.  So all I can say is s--k it Jesus.  This award is my god now."

Now obviously this is blasphemous!  And obviously I disagree.  I mean think about this, 94% of America's founding era documents mention the Bible. 34% quote the Bible directly.  How can any well educated person not understand that the freedoms we enjoy in America are directly related to Jesus Christ who died on a cross 2,000 years ago? Her words are illogical.  Even if she doesn't believe in Jesus, from a historical perspective, she surely must understand that the luxuries of being able to pursue her career and to obtain wealth, and to live like she does are all made possible by the very God that she chose to fulminate against.

But what should our response as Christ followers be?  What would Christ's response be?  I think His words in Matthew 5 give us some indication. Jesus says:

"You are familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.'  I'm challenging that.  I'm telling you to love your enemies.  Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.  When someone gives you a hard time, respond with energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves.  This is what God does.  He gives his best--the sun to warm and the rain to nourish--to everyone regardless: the good and bad, the nice and the nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus?  Anybody can do that."

And then He says:

"In a word what I'm saying is GROW UP.  You're kingdom subjects.  Now live like it.  Live out your God-created identity.  Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."

I know what Kathy Griffin said was wrong and out of line.  But I have been wrong and out of line 1,000 times myself.  God's response to me has always been forgiveness.  He's always chosen to love me even when I was unlovable.  Isn't that what He has called us to do?  There is no excuse for what Kathy Griffin said.  But here's a question to consider: Do Christ followers stand a better chance of introducing her to our Savior by ripping her for her mistake or by loving her?  I think we all know the answer.  The question is will we do it? 

Jesus said: "Let me give you a new command: Love one another.  In the same way I have loved you, you love one another.  This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples--when they see the love you have for others."  John 13:31-35

Comments

[Justin Medlin]

Blake,
Thank you for todays blog message; for the reminder. It is often times easier for me to become angry and to hate than it is to take whatever lumps may be coming and still remember the people who would give them to me...be they right in doing so or not, in my prayers. I've found recently though, in trying to make myself remember my enemies as also being another of God's children, and in asking him to please show them His love and peace in a manner that they feel and know, that I feel closer to God. I suppose its somewhat like what was said this past Sunday, and I'm paraphrasing, but, "come nearer to God and He will come nearer to you".

Justin Medlin