I Freaking Hate This Crap!

Did the title of this article get your attention? 

Some of you probably clicked just to see what I am ranting about. 

However, I know there is a group that clicked because you really do hate it when I say things like that. 

I’ve had people approach me over the years and inform me they do not like the words “freaking” or “crap” because it offends them, and they wish I would “not say words like that.” 

Honestly, I have no problem with either of those words, however, it’s been pointed out to me by some well meaning people I should not be a stumbling block. 

So, what about the guy who approached me one Sunday after a service and told me he was offended I had used the word “puke” in a message? 

Or the guy who was offended that I preached out of the NIV and told me I should only use the KJV? 

Or how about the lady who told me she was highly offended by my use of the term “redneck,” and I should never say that word again? 

Or the time I told a story about how I used to be fat, and someone was offended that I said “fat?” 

Or the time I mentioned that Obama had a clearer campaign slogan than John McCain and was told I should not ever mention politics? 

One of the problems in our country today is everyone thinks they have the right to not feel uncomfortable or be offended. 

And, I have realized over the years that if I become who everyone wants me to be, I will never become who Jesus wants me to be. 

One of the promises I can make you as the Pastor of NewSpring Church is I am desperate to hear the voice of Jesus, I need The Holy Spirit in my life and God’s Word shaping me now more than ever before.  And…if Jesus ever sincerely convicts me of something I did or did not say, I will do my best to repent and make things right. 

However, the other promise I can make our church is, “what you see is what you get.”  Life is too short for me to pretend I am someone I am not. 

We will continue to do our best to reach people far from God and teach them how to follow Jesus step by step. 

If I say something along the way that offends you or makes you feel uncomfortable, that’s not my intention.  I am desperately committed to building people up rather than tearing them down. 

However, the older I get the more I realize that someone is always going to be upset with something I say or do—but strangely enough the older I get the more I am ok with it. 

So…let’s focus on the fact there are around five billion people on the planet who do not know Jesus, and eternity for them is going to be a load of “freaking crap” if we don’t get off our “blessed assurances” and do whatever it takes to reach them!!! 

I love you NewSpring Church—the best is yet to come!!