Christians Need To Relax

Something I have noticed over the last four weeks is that Christians need to relax. 

Let's stop and breathe. Breathe in and breathe out.

In Aaron Rodgers words to the Green Bay Packers fans when their team started one and two this past season: 

"R-E-L-A-X." 

We are letting the world get to us. We need to relax.

This summer we have argued with everyone about everything. 

And guess what? We are getting nowhere. Well, that's not entirely true; we are going backwards.

The United States as we know it is changing. Heck, it's changed drastically in the last week. And it's going to continue to.

If this makes you nervous, heed my advice. Relax. 

If you are upset that Bruce Jenner is now a woman, relax.

If your blood pressure rises every time you log onto Facebook because of people posting their strong opinions, relax. (Also, get off Facebook for a while.)

If the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage has you worried, relax.

If politics are sending you in a tizzy, relax.

If you think all your fellow Christians are closed-minded, relax.

If you are caught up in race relations and it's all you think about, relax.

If you are concerned about the reappearing of the "Star of Bethlehem" and the blood moon, relax.

If you are hitting the bottom along with the stock market, relax. 

If you are upset that I'm not taking a stance on any issue, relax.

If you are upset that the picture shows feet and naked toes dressed in Chaco's, relax.

If you can't believe the U.S. women's soccer team is winning in the World Cup, relax. Never mind, freak out because the U.S. never wins in soccer!

We all need to stop for a moment and relax. Stop arguing. Stop worrying. Stop reading articles and watching the news. Stop posting your opinions on social media. It's not an effective witness right now. People are just setting up camp with people who believe like them. 

Take some time to gather yourself. 

Everything is taking a toll on you. It's not healthy for your body or your soul. 

Listen to what Jesus has to say, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

What a glorious invitation. Jesus' invitation is refreshing my soul this week.

Read Jesus' invitation again.

If you have been anything like me this summer, you need to find rest for your soul. Jesus is where you find that rest. This is an invitation that speaks louder than any opinion.   

There will be plenty of time to work. Just pause for a moment and make sure that Jesus' yoke is strapped to you and not someone else's.