Unlikely inspiration
As I look around in Christianity/Emerging/Missional/Church culture I notice, for me, there are very few people I draw inspiration from. There are a few guys I really pay attention too… Mark Driscoll, Tim Keller, John Piper.
I think the issue is identification. Where are the guys like me? Those that know me know I do not fit into the traditional stereotype of what a Christian should look or act like. Guys like Chuckk Gewig are good inspiration… Harley Riding, Tattoo sporting, Jesus follower who is ministering to youth and their families. Where are the Christian bad asses? The tough guys who think it is neither queer or feminine to talk, walk, and live Jesus openly in culture.
Perhaps some would think it is wrong to want to live a “Rock Star”, high profile, passionate life for Jesus. There are some guys in church planting/Christian circles that attempt the “Jesus, Rock Star” life… But… It comes across really cheesy, plastic, and cliché. It reminds me of the Principle of the Christian school in the movie “Saved”. “What are you doing for the G.O.D… WWJD.” Now I think I am going to puke…
My point for this is that I personally have been inspired from 2 very unlikely sources. Neither of these men are Christians or claim to follow Jesus. The prophet Scott Stapp once said, “Passion breeds followers”. In the case of these two guys it is true. There names are Brandon Bond and Noah Levine.
Brandon is the owner of All to Nothing Tattoo Studio in Atlanta. He is one of the most published and celebrated tattoo artist in the industry. His whole goal in life is world domination in the tattoo industry. Love him or hate him this guy is passionate and works relentlessly to achieve his goals. By all rights he is an industry “Rock Star”. This guy works 14-16 hours a day. Loves and takes care of his studio staff like family. Brandon is a Gorilla marketing genius. Enlisting hundreds of volunteers to help get the word out about his studio, artist, books, DVD’s, websites, Convention appearances, parties, etc. These guys are on every social networking website available. The stuff this guy is involved in would freak most Christians out.
Noah is a Buddhist practitioner. Noah has an interesting story that writes about in his book “Dharma Punx”. Noah was part of the Southern California Punk Rock scene. A rebellious and troubled teen… Noah ended up with 3 felony convictions before he was 21. He was in and out of detention centers and jail. One day, through the instruction of his dad, he tried meditation. From that point on he has given his life to Buddhist practice and meditation. Noah has a new book coming out next month called “Against the Stream”. He has teachings and videos on the internet. Noah has a new documentary out called “Meditate and Destroy”. He is passionate about his practice because he found it to be life changing. He has spent time traveling the world in the relentless search for “truth” and “meaning”. Spending time in monasteries, teaching, meeting the Dali Lama. Noah has connected with people who are disenfranchises and societies outcast, who are seeking spiritual meaning and significance in their life.
So what draws me to these guys. It is their passion and drive. It is their relentless pursuit of goals and beliefs. These guys are leaders. Even though their lifestyle or belief is the antithesis of Christian belief they are for more dedicate and evangelistic than most Christ followers. Did you know that most software companies are picking up the term “evangelist” as they market and promote their software.
Another thing that inspires me about these guys is that they are “touchable”. They are doing life with people. They are investing time, money, resources, effort in to people.
So what is keeping those of us who are followers of Jesus from being completely sold out, driven, and passionate for the gospel of Jesus. I am not talking about bubble gum/cheese puff Christianity. I am talking about no holds bar, masculine, social, in your face, gospel. Taking the approach of Brandon and Noah… What would this look like fleshed out in the Christian world? Creative, passionate, hard working, zealous, against the status quo, full on for Jesus and the gospel.
These guys are visionaries… World changers… Am I? Do I have what it takes?
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Are the changes I make within my/the culture I live in, my effort to reach/teach/connect with the perifery of ‘unacceptable’ Christians who don’t seem to fit? Or am I making these changes to aggravate my brothers and sisters in Christ?
When I move away from the ‘traditional’ talk, fashion, grooming, and ‘conduct’ of other believers, is it because I’m responding to God’s call or am I deep down inside wanting to see their reaction(meaning the traditionalist Christian’s reaction)? Does it delight me to do so … for HIS glory, or what?
As no motive can be pure until eternity, there is much to wrestle through as to how I walk, how I talk, how I relate, how I share His story and why I love Him.
What is my core motive?