I’ve been reading The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus. It spoke to me in so many ways. Most importantly, it affirmed my long held belief that the church as it exists today was not the church that Christ envisioned. Today’s Christian, by the same token, does not model the intended follower of Christ.
It is easier, however, to say these things than it is to actually live them. The writings of Mr. McManus, along with a healthy dose of the Holy Spirit, have convicted me of so many things. I often think, “Instead of having chuch this morning, we should all go out into the neighborhood and share the love of Christ with anyone who will listen!” Yet how often do I walk by my own neighbors, or parents of my children’s teammates and remain silent?
As I listened to a CD from a leadership conference where McManus delivered a program entitled “The Barbarian Way Out of Civilization”, I felt broken. All I could do was sit trembling and weeping, crying out to God to change my heart. The Barbarian is alive in me in thought, but not yet in practice. It is my desire to feel the freedom to proclaim the love and sacrifice of the Saviour, no matter (or becuase of) who may hear.
