There I said it! I have come out of the closet to profess to the world that I am NOT a Christian. It sounds heretical doesn’t it? How can a man who spent the last twenty years of his life as a pastor in the United Methodist Church proclaim loud and clear that he is not a Christian?
Well, look at it this way: If Christianity is all that it’s cracked up to be, then how come Jesus wasn’t one? Please understand. I am not trying to be cute, arrogant or trite. I am, however, very serious about my conviction. I no longer consider myself a Chistian and I will never consider myself a Christian again.
The reason is simple: The word “Christian” has become an adjective in our culture. We have Christian books, Christian music, Christian movies, Christian toys, Christian comics, Christian businesses, Christian politicians, Christian churches, and Christian people. The word “Christian” was never meant to be used as an adjective. It was mean to be used as a noun. Therefore, to avoid confusion I tell everyone I meet that I am not a Christian. I am a follower of Jesus. He is my Lord and Savior. He is my leader and guide. He is my passion and the love of my life. He is my constant companion. He is my best friend. Where He leads I will follow.
The world doesn’t need any more Christians, but it is in desperate need of people who follow Jesus. This distinction, believe it or not, makes all the difference in the world.
