John the Crazy Baptist!! - Matthew - pages 246-252

John the Baptist was a wild man.  As I listen to his words, watch his movements, and feel his passion I can't help but wonder what's become of Christ-followers.  Now, I understand that our more civilized culture has led to advancements in our relational and cultural techniques, but honestly there are days when I long for something more barbaric and--in some ways--savage.  Not in the cannibalistic sense, but in the wild, primal sense.  Something less edited and air-brushed.  Something more earthy...down-to-earthy, even.  I don't mind relevant Christianity, so long as it's not cute.  Please God, I don't want to be a part of something that is merely cute.

 Was John the Baptist Polite and Political,

Sociable and Civilized,

Domesticated and Docile,

Cautious and Conservative,

Stable and Steady,

Predictable and Proper,

Consistent and Constant,

Reputable and Respectable,

 Composed and Calm,

Secure and Sound,

Balanced and Behaved,

Poised and Posh,

Diplomatic and Decent,

Tame and Timid,

Refined and Reserved,

Subdued and Serious,

Collected and Confident,

Nice and Neat,

Clean and Careful,

 Trustworthy and Teachable,

Cultured and Cultivated,

Moderate and Modest,

Reasonable and Rational,

Sensible and Sound,

Logical and Level-headed,

Sophisticated and Stylish,

Pleasing and Pleasant,

Conventional and Convincing,

Appropriate and Amiable,

Friendly and Fitting,

Traditional and Timely,

Orderly and Organized,

Methodical and Meticulous,

Smooth and Suave,

Concise and Cute,

Intelligent and Inviting,

Universal and Uniform,

Upstanding and Upright,

Separated and Safe,           

Corporate and Commercial,

Suspicious and Segregated,

Professional and Proficient,

Groomed and Gregarious?

 Have we been bred into banal beings of boredom…

A colorless, savorless, lifeless, collection of cute Christian who have traded godliness for loveliness?

We need more John the Baptists and less Johnny Appleseeds.

Maybe this is why every now and again Jesus would say things like:

"Eat my flesh and drink my blood.  If you don't, you can have no part of the kingdom."

Really, really?  Why would you say something like this if you weren't trying to keep the Kingdom just a little crazy.