There has been a recurring theme in our Bible lessons on Sunday morning beginning on Easter Sunday–the call for you and I to be witnesses to Jesus’ death and resurrection.

This is not an easy task. In fact, it’s quite the challenge. For instance:

We are dominated by noise and electronic clutter. No matter where we go, we are followed by music, games, data, news, and all other sorts of media streamed over our phones, MP3 players, tablets or what have you. We almost can’t get away from it, and yet we are called to point people to areas of quiet where the still, small voice of God can reach them and turn their hearts toward them. Just try to get someone to be “disconnected” for just a few moments. It’s a challenge.

We are dominated by a culture of divisiveness. Liberal vs. Conservative. Democrat vs. Republican. Safety vs. Freedom. And all manner of racial divide. The witness to Jesus is called to work toward reconciliation. Good luck with that.

We live in a culture pushing us toward excess. Don’t focus on what you need–focus on what you want. Gratify your desire. It will make you feel great! The witness to Jesus finds fulfillment not in these things but in the freedom from them as Christ becomes the center of one’s life. Ever try to break an addiction? That’s what it’s like to focus on your needs instead of wants.

None of these things come easy. Heck, I fail at them more times than I succeed. But are we up to the challenge of seeking to be different? Are we up to the challenge of paving a different path through the muddiness of our culture? Being a witness in this day and age requires such a sense of adventure, daring, and strength. Is it possible for us to strive toward such a thing as we actively reach out as a strong Christian influence in our community by sharing God’s love through kindness, caring, and involvement with others inside and outside our community of faith.

Peace,