Light of Easter

Every Easter, I thank God that divine providence did not propel me into the pastorate. I'd make a really lousy Easter Sunday preacher.

I fear I would grip the podium, look out across the congregation and bellow, "And where have you been seen Christmas Eve?"

Oh, I know. Pastors, church staff, deacons, ushers, nursery workers and just about anybody else with church responsibility bends over backward to make everyone feel welcomed on Easter. And that's as it should be, I guess. We only get one or two shots per year at the Chreasters—folks who show up at the church house on Christmas and Easter. We want them to love and follow the Lord. And so we treat them like fragile heirloom ornaments or Grandma's fine china we only use for lunch at Easter.

Gospel inoculation?

But I can't shake the feeling people who only attend church on Christmas Eve and Easter leave with just enough of the gospel to inoculate them from the real deal. It's adequate to help them feel good about themselves, but not sufficient to make a difference in their lives.

That's a viable issue for the church. Pastors and church leadership should take it seriously as they plan worship on the holy days.

Meanwhile, closer to home …

But picking on the Chreasters is too easy. During this week following Easter, I should be concerned about what difference Easter makes in my own life and in the lives of the brothers and sisters I see at church practically every week.

Of course, I believe in Jesus' resurrection. And I've asked Jesus to be my Savior. But do I live in the grace, confidence and hope of Easter?

For my part, I don't doubt the big stuff. Jesus' death, burial and resurrection? Of course, I believe. Going to heaven when I die? Count on it.

But daily throughout the year, I find myself tripping on the smaller issues.

• If I believe Jesus arose victorious over the grave, then why don't I trust him to guide me through the myriad decisions that make up a typical week?

• If I'm confident Jesus defeated death, then why won't I allow him to overcome my fears about budgets and schedules and the details of the Baptist Standard and FaithVillage?

• If I believe Jesus suffered, died and rebounded from the grave to forgive the whole world of its sins, then why won't I accept his forgiveness and forgive myself?

• If I believe Jesus secured eternity, then why do I get wrought up over what's about to happen in the next month?

Those are my challenges as I walk in Easter's light. How about you?