I recently read a story that had me not just chuckling but laughing out loud.

It is a story about a young woman driving a small, red sports car who zipped in front of an elderly lady driving a big Mercedes, taking the parking spot for which the Mercedes driver had been waiting.  The elderly lady was really ticked but the young woman smiled and said, “That’s what happens when you’re young and quick.”

Then to the surprise of the young woman, the elderly lady backed up and aimed her Mercedes right at the sports car and crashed into it.  And then to the additional horror of the young woman, the elderly lady backed up and did it again.  The young woman was livid.  The elderly lady rolled down her window and said with a smile, “That’s what happens when you’re old and rich.” 

Ain’t that a hoot?  I can picture it!  Can’t you?  I would call that audacity.  Other words come to mind for sure.  But audacity rings for me.

Frankly, I believe God could use a few audacious followers.  Not the kind who break the rules (unless they are man-made religious ones), but the kind who will take audacious risks.  Those who will step out and be bold.  Those who won’t settle for the status quo. Those who don’t just want to be fans.  He wants disciples.  Here is how Bob Goff put it:

I used to think being a believer was enough, but now I know Jesus wants us to participate, no matter what condition we’re in.

For far too long we have been sitting by and watching a select few do the work.  Sometimes we stand and twiddle our thumbs. Sometimes we do the unthinkable: criticize those who are at least trying.

I. PERSONALLY. BELIEVE. GOD. WANTS. US. TO. BE. AUDACIOUS!

May I say this as kindly as possible?  I think God is sick and tired of us being sick and tired.  Way back in the 50s (yeah I know that is way back and long before most of your time) there was a song that said, “Standin’ on the corner watchin’ all the girls go by.”   I wonder if those words can be said about many who call themselves Christians: “Standin’ on the corner watchin’ all the world go by.”

Think about this: “it wasn’t the size of the crowd Jesus cared about; it was their level of commitment.”  That statement is from not a fan by Kyle Idleman (which we are doing this fall). Are you willing to do audacious things for God?  Do you see yourself as a fan or a participant?   I’d like to hear your thoughts. 

This post is part of my ongoing series based on Love Does by Bob Goff.  Join me?