The Christian Experience

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One of my ongoing challenges as a human is my desire for people to make sense. This likely stems from my personality and the way I process information. In my walk with Jesus, there have certainly been moments that did not make sense. What I’ve come to appreciate is that God has always been patient with my questions. And while God is all‑encompassing, I’ve often found people to be far more mysterious. I’d like to share a few reflections that may help explain my perspective.

Throughout the Bible, the importance of loving God and loving our neighbors is emphasized repeatedly. Christians are instructed to love their neighbors as they love themselves. When I strip this down to its simplest form, it resembles what many of us learned early on as “The Golden Rule.” I remember being taught in primary school to do unto others as I would want them to do unto me. That teaching resonated deeply with me. Kindness, love, and respect felt intuitive and life‑giving.

As I grew older, however, I began to notice a disconnect. I encountered people who quoted Scripture, attended church regularly, and openly professed their love for God—yet their behavior toward others felt harsh or dismissive. The kindness and compassion I associated with Jesus were often absent. These individuals could articulate doctrine well and debate theology fluently, yet interactions with them rarely left me feeling drawn toward God. More often, I found myself feeling guarded, unsure how to engage without being wounded.

This has long puzzled me. How do we reconcile the belief that God is love while treating other people in ways that feel anything but loving? I once asked Copilot for insight on this, and the response resonated: people tend to judge others by their actions, while judging themselves by their intentions rather than their impact. That distinction has stayed with me.

Recently, while sharing reflections about Christianity on a new social media platform, I’ve been struck by how often faith conversations can turn combative. Some who identify as Christians engage in ways that feel more like spiritual bullying than spiritual guidance. Scripture is sometimes wielded as a weapon rather than an invitation. I’ve been called names and told I am not a Christian—often for simply sharing the direct words and teachings of Jesus. These moments have invited me to pause and reflect rather than react.

Over the years, a few things have become clearer to me:

Knowing the Bible is not the same as knowing the One it points to.

Abiding in Jesus tends to produce good fruit. Yet I’ve observed that some people’s understanding of God and Jesus is shaped less by Scripture itself and more by culture, church environments, leaders, or family systems. Their version of faith reflects what they were taught rather than what they’ve personally encountered.

I’ve also noticed how easily the desire to be “right” can overshadow the call to love. Winning arguments can become more important than honoring people. Yet love, by its nature, cannot be forced, nor can genuine relationship.

People are at vastly different stages in their walk with God. Some have experienced decades of deep, relational communion with God; others are only beginning to explore who God might be. Each person’s view of God is shaped by their experiences and vantage point, and remembering this has helped me extend more grace.

Another realization has been this: we cannot give away a kind of love we have not yet received. For me to offer agape love to my neighbor, I must first believe and receive God’s love for myself. I’ve encountered many Christians who trust God enough for salvation but still relate to God as though God were harsh, punitive, or perpetually disappointed. When someone has not fully grasped the depth, breadth, and gentleness of God’s love for them, it becomes difficult to extend that love freely to others.

I’ve also struggled to understand why some Christians passionately defend politicians, celebrities, or even celebrity Christians solely because they claim to know God. Jesus spoke plainly when He said we would recognize a tree by its fruit and that His true disciples would be known by their agape—selfless, sacrificial—love. Scripture encourages discernment, urging believers to test and examine what they see. Yet in recent years, I’ve observed a tendency to overlook harmful behavior when the individual is influential or admired. From a faith perspective, influence does not exempt anyone from accountability.

What I’ve come to understand is that humans are not only created to worship; we are also created with a deep desire to belong. When a person or movement aligns with even some of our values, it can become tempting to excuse behaviors that contradict the teachings of Jesus. Idols—whether people, platforms, or ideologies—can quietly offer a false sense of identity, safety, and belonging.

I do not claim to understand everything. I don’t. What does make sense to me are the teachings of Jesus: love God; love your neighbor as yourself; love your enemies; seek to do good and avoid intentional harm; choose honor; let your light shine. Live in a way that invites others to want to know Jesus. Care for the poor. Welcome the stranger. Serve. Seek God in relationship. Be kind to others in the faith. Pray. Forgive. Act with mercy and pursue justice.

The way Jesus lived pointed beyond Himself—to something, or rather Someone, greater. In all my years of following Jesus, I can honestly say I’ve met only a handful of people—perhaps 10 or 12—whose way of living made me want to know Him more deeply. I’ve spent most of my life in church spaces, and over time my prayer has become simple: God, help me live in a way that draws people toward Jesus, not pushes them away. That remains my hope for every follower of Jesus, myself included.

Warmly,

Erin Lamb

When Being Low‑Maintenance Leads to Emotional Exhaustion and Invisible Relationships

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When Being “Low‑Maintenance” Makes You Invisible

I was the low‑maintenance child.
The low‑maintenance friend.
The low‑maintenance employee.
The low‑maintenance girlfriend.

I functioned well on my own. Part of that is personality—but part of it was conditioning.

When you do what you’re told, don’t make messes, don’t ask for much, and stay compliant, it stops being appreciated and starts being expected. Over time, something subtle but painful happens: you become invisible.

From Reliable to Replaceable

You’re labeled the reliable one.
The strong one.
The one who doesn’t need much.

And instead of receiving care, protection, or emotional investment, you’re given more responsibility.

More weight.
More expectations.
More emotional labor.

Slowly, you stop being treated like a person and start being treated like a resource.

People lean on you. They bring their problems, their crises, their emotions—but they invest little or nothing in return. The relationship becomes one‑sided, and you’re expected to accept crumbs simply because you’ve survived on less.

What I Learned About Boundaries

Here’s what I learned—and it wasn’t easy:

I stopped being a resource for people.

If I can figure it out, they can too.
Just because I require less doesn’t mean I deserve less.

I stopped accepting crumbs.
I stopped entertaining people who only show up when they need something.
I stopped allowing emotional gaslighting.

“I Never See You Anymore”

“You’re never around.”
“I never hear from you.”

But let me ask this:

Did you call just to talk to me—not at me?
Did you put time on my calendar for genuine connection instead of emotional dumping?
Did you show up when I wasn’t in crisis?

No?

Then missing me is not my responsibility.

Choosing Health Over Access

These days, I lovingly redirect people to therapists, 24/7 prayer lines, or their pastors—because I am no longer the unpaid emotional support system for people unwilling to do their own work.

That doesn’t make me unkind.
It makes me honest.

Boundaries didn’t make me cold.
They made me whole.

Erin Lamb

Pick up the latest book Relationships 101: Foundational Wisdom for Better Relationships here: Relationships 101 Book

The Purpose Workshop (Virtual): Finding Your “Why” When Life Feels Unclear

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Have you ever reached a point where you realized you were doing all the right things—yet something still felt off?

At I Thought I Knew What Love Was, we talk a lot about relationships, healing, and growth. But underneath all of that is a deeper question many of us wrestle with at different stages of life:

Why am I doing what I’m doing—and does it actually align with who I am now?

That question is the heart of the Purpose Workshop (Virtual).

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Why Finding Your “Why” Matters

Purpose isn’t about having everything figured out or knowing your entire life plan. It’s about understanding what matters to you right now—so your choices, boundaries, relationships, and goals are rooted in clarity instead of confusion.

When you’re connected to your why:

  • Decisions feel less overwhelming
  • You stop repeating patterns that no longer serve you
  • You gain confidence in your next steps
  • Your relationships become more intentional and aligned

The Purpose Workshop is a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself—without pressure, comparison, or judgment.

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What the Purpose Workshop Is (and Isn’t)

This is a live virtual workshop designed to guide you through meaningful reflection and practical exercises that help you uncover clarity and direction.

It’s not a lecture.
It’s not about fixing yourself.
It is about creating space to listen to what you already know deep down.

When you register, you receive:

  • Access to the live virtual workshop
  • Downloadable course materials
  • The full workshop recording (even if you can’t attend live)

That means you can participate in real time—or watch later, pause, rewind, and reflect at your own pace.

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Made for Real Life (and Real Schedules)

We know life is full—emotionally and practically. That’s why this workshop is flexible. If you can’t make the live session, you’ll still receive the complete experience, including the recording and materials.

Many participants actually prefer watching the replay so they can sit with the questions, journal, and move through the content slowly.

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Join the Purpose Workshop

If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or simply ready to realign with yourself, this workshop is a powerful place to begin.

👉 Learn more and register here:
https://www.empowered-free.com/product-page/the-purpose-workshop-virtual

Clarity doesn’t come from rushing—it comes from understanding your why.

I hope to see you there!

You’re Designed for Freedom | Stop Settling for Less Than God’s Best

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You’re Designed for Freedom

I once heard a pastor say that God will allow you to live at the level you settle for—and I agree. There is more. I sincerely believe we were created for more, yet many people settle for far less than what God desires to give them.

I lived in the land of settling.

I accepted situations, treatment, and relationships that were far below where I wanted to be. Why? I wanted to be thankful. I wanted to be someone who invested in others without placing demands on them. I accepted the bare minimum because Christianity taught me to put others first, forgive everything, and—somewhere along the way—I neglected the truth that God actually cares how I am treated.

There was far more emphasis on how I could love the church and others, and far less focus on how deeply God loved me.

When “Love” Looks Like Settling

I settled because I was told that’s what love does.
I settled because I believed I was demonstrating unselfish, sacrificial love.

What I failed to see—and what no one pointed out to me—was that I was failing to recognize my own value. I chose mediocre. God did not choose that for me.

I remember talking with a woman from church one day when she said,
“Erin, no matter how poorly I treat you, you’re always there for me. I just love you.”

That wasn’t a compliment. It was a slap in the face.

She knew the behavior was wrong. She continued because I tolerated it. I wasn’t a complete doormat—I simply chose to forgive her over and over again. I loved her despite her lack of love for me.

What I tolerated was a misalignment.

I was not living empowered or free. I was living a life of settling.

A Dangerous—but Life‑Changing—Prayer

This pattern continued for several more years with other long‑standing relationships, until I prayed a dangerous yet powerful prayer:

“God, anything that is not tied to my destiny or Your best for my life, I ask that You remove it.”

Within months, several long‑term friendships ended. Some people picked arguments over nothing. One person told me God said not to remain friends. During that same season, I was laid off from my job.

Everything shifted—radically.

Seven Years Later…

Fast forward seven years.

  • I have completed three books
  • I founded and launched Lamb Enterprises LLC (Empowered & Free)
  • I’ve appeared on TV and radio
  • Dozens of people have encountered freedom through soul healing
  • Nearly 50 people have been trained in soul healing
  • Relationships 101 was featured at the 2025 London Book Fair
  • I entered a new corporate role and have been promoted four times
  • I’ve traveled the world
  • I’ve gained healthy, supportive, invested friendships
  • I’ve recently been featured in news articles across the U.S. and overseas

I told God that I sincerely desired Ephesians 3:20 blessings—and that I did not want to spend my entire life suffering, merely overcoming, and living in heartbreak.

Rethinking Suffering and God’s Nature

I understand deeply that following Jesus can include persecution and suffering.
But I do not believe life was intended to be endless tears, disappointment, pain, heartache, or surviving on crumbs from someone else’s table.

I believe God desires more for His children than we would ever desire for our own.

Years ago, I had a vision. I was standing in a massive room with God. I couldn’t see God’s face, but I could hear His voice. As far as I could see—upward and outward—were gold boxes with names etched on them.

I asked what they were.

God replied,

“These are all the promises I have for My children that they never claim.”

The Lie of a “Cosmic Bully” God

I believe God is good.

Sadly, culture—and parts of religion—have portrayed God as a cosmic bully: demanding, cruel, and only interested in being worshiped. This false image shapes people’s expectations of God. They stop expecting much at all.

They stop believing for the exceedingly, abundantly, above all they could ask or imagine.

They settle and call it holiness.
They settle and say, “It’s God’s will.”
They remain stuck, assuming God is only trying to teach them a lesson.

God is absolutely able to turn ashes into beauty. But that does not mean God needs to burn everything to the ground to create something beautiful.

The message that God turns messes into messages should never encourage people to create messes just to see what God will do.

I don’t need to cut myself to prove that a doctor knows how to stitch wounds.

An Invitation to Freedom

My encouragement to you is this:

Ask God where you may be settling for less than what He wants to give you.

Ask God where your heart or mind may be bound.
Ask for freedom.
Ask for fresh eyes to see yourself—and your destiny—through God’s eyes.
Ask God to heal any wounds caused by religious teaching that painted Him as a cosmic bully.

There is more for you.
More for you in God and with God.

You were never designed to live bound, overlooked, or surviving on crumbs. Ask God where you may be settling—and be brave enough to receive what He’s always wanted to give you.

Bonus link to the UAE Times Article: Empowered & Free in UAE Times Article

Love,

Erin Lamb

God Highly Values You!

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A lesson from my jeweler: what’s valued is not easily accessible.

My jeweler knows me; when I see her, she’s comfortable pulling diamonds and gems out of the case and handing them over to me. She knows who I am; she’s vetted me and sold me several pieces. You’ll note that everything that is real and costly is locked up – you cannot grab what you want. You’ll notice they do not offer diamonds at the price or availability of costume jewelry.

In human relationships, I’ve witnessed people offer themselves over to people who treat them horribly. Their open access, refusal to vet people, and lack of any boundaries lead to being used, abused, and mistreated.

Cheap and easy works well for fast food; it’s a recipe for disaster in matters of the heart.

I am not stating that materialism is the key to a good relationship, nor playing hard to get. I am stating that things shift when you start viewing access to you as something that requires vetting people. It is wise to see your value and worth and cease placing diamonds (your heart, body, time) in the hands of those who are not trustworthy. It means you allow people to see who you are, yet access to your inner world is reserved for those deemed trustworthy.

Early in my life I desired to love everyone and be an asset to everyone. What I learned were hard lessons. One lesson was love and access are not the same. You can love people and set boundaries with their access to you.

I talk about this in Relationships 101: Foundational Wisdom for Better Relationships. We choose the level of access people have to us.

I love traveling and I am planning to return to Asia soon. When I purchase tickets, they provide access to seats based on what we paid for in the ticket price. First Class seats are reserved for people who paid that price. Economy guests are not provided First Class privileges.

I was guilty of providing VIP treatment to economy people. I provided best friendship to lukewarm friends. I over invested in consumers. It was unwise and unhealthy.

When we know how valuable we are, we are highly selective of who has the closest access to us. We can love everyone. Trust is earned. Access is contingent on trust.

God placed such a high value on you that He paid the highest price to secure a relationship with you. You are not considered low value to God. It does not matter how others have interacted with you or treated you! What matters is the Creator of the Universe thinks the world of you! You were created on purpose. You are a handcrafted, original gem from the imagination of God.

Live loved.

Live on purpose.

Love,

Erin L Lamb

The Purpose Workshop: Why Finding Your “Why” Changes Everything

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Have you ever felt busy—but not always sure why you’re doing what you’re doing?

That’s exactly why the Purpose Workshop exists.

Finding your “why” isn’t about having all the answers or creating a perfect life plan. It’s about getting clear on what truly matters to you—so your decisions, goals, and energy are aligned with something meaningful. When you know your why, everything else starts to make more sense.

And that’s what we’ll be focusing on in our April 18, 2026 Virtual Purpose Workshop.

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Why Finding Your “Why” Matters

When you’re clear on your purpose, you:

  • Make decisions with more confidence
  • Stop chasing goals that don’t actually fulfill you
  • Feel more grounded and focused in your personal and professional life
  • Create direction—even during seasons of uncertainty

This workshop is designed to help you slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what drives you—without pressure, judgment, or overwhelm.

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How the Workshop Works

The Purpose Workshop is a live, instructor‑led virtual session, but it’s built with flexibility in mind. If you can attend live, great. If you can’t, you’ll still get everything you need.

When you register, you’ll receive:

  • Access to the live virtual workshop on April 18
  • Downloadable course materials you can keep
  • The full workshop recording sent after the session

That means you can:

  • Join live and participate in real time
  • Watch the replay on your own schedule
  • Revisit the materials whenever you need clarity or a reset

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Perfect for Busy Schedules (and Real Life)

Life happens. Work runs late. Family needs you. Energy comes and goes.

That’s why this workshop doesn’t require you to be glued to your screen at a specific time. Many students actually prefer watching the recording so they can pause, reflect, and take notes at their own pace.

No matter how you attend, you’ll walk away with tools and insights you can use long after the workshop ends.

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Save Your Spot for the Purpose Workshop

Registration guarantees access to all materials and the full recording, even if you can’t attend live. Space is limited, so we recommend reserving your spot early.

👉 https://www.empowered-free.com/product-page/the-purpose-workshop-virtual

If you’ve been feeling stuck, disconnected, or simply ready for more clarity, this workshop is a great place to start.

I’d love to see you there! Those who attended in person last weekend stated it was meaningful and impactful for them.

Love,

Erin Lamb

What Will Your Legacy Be?

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Maybe it’s my personality. Maybe it’s growing up the oldest child with older parents. My brain has been wired for quite some time to think about legacy, purpose, and what my impact will be on the world. It made for interesting conversations with people in my age group. While they were thinking about right now and the immediate, my heart was leaning into what will be?

I believe we were created for more than taking up space, seeking our own pleasure, and then death. I believe we were created with a divine purpose. We are the walking, talking, paintings of God. We are the poems he has written on the pages of creation. Everything God created has a purpose. Do we all find this divine purpose and then align our lives with this purpose?

In my years of mentoring children, young adults, and even adults I will say I’ve encountered countless people who do not know why God put them on earth during this period of time. They are taking up space, completing the daily grind, hustling, some living paycheck to paycheck, and some dislike their lives.

Life was meant to be enjoyed, not simply endured. Yes, I am aware that in this world there will be trouble. I have certainly lived through long seasons of suffering, loss, and even betrayal. What I can say is, it has not all been suffering. There are tears that turned into joy. There have been moments of laughter and bliss. There have been whispers from God that made my heart soar.

When we know why God created us, it provides an opportunity to live aligned with our why. We enjoy life more. We can make meaning of even the most challenging circumstances. We are able to find contentment and satisfaction in our doing. We begin to do from our why instead of doing to find our why. Our identity becomes the spring board for our choices. We begin to ask if people, places, or opportunities align with who we are.

My why is linked to what I would love for my legacy to be. I desire people know the heart of God and it manifests in city outreaches to the invisible people on the streets, to victims of human trafficking, to children with no parents or parents who are too busy, to other women of color looking for anyone who looks like them in corporate leadership, to the hungry, to the sick without healthcare, and well, that is what I’ve done.

I posted to my social media last night, that if this were my last year of life, I would be happy with what I’ve done. It’s not for my fame or glory. A good number of years of my life what I’ve done or do has been in the shadows. There was no fan fare. No people lining up to support the mission. It was moving day in and day out on a mission. I hoped for and hope for the applause of heaven.

I hope you find your mission or purpose, if you have not already. I hope you find your why. Life is, from my perspective, more meaningful when we live in alignment with our why!

If you need help mapping your purpose or finding your why, you are invited to join us March 7, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio for The Purpose Workshop. Your legacy matters! You can live more fulfilled. Join us. Seats are limited. https://tinyurl.com/The-Purpose-Workshop-2026

Love,

Erin Lamb

Purpose Driven Living

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Grateful for the Recent CEO Times Feature — And Excited for What’s Ahead

I’m deeply grateful to CEO Times for recently featuring my work as an author and my role within Empowered & Free. The article—written by one of their contributors—offers an outside perspective on the mission‑driven programs, services, and community impact that Empowered & Free continues to build. Having this work recognized in a respected publication is both humbling and energizing, and it reinforces the importance of creating spaces where individuals can grow, heal, and lead with purpose.

What stood out most in the feature was how clearly the contributor captured the heart behind Empowered & Free: a commitment to helping individuals break through limitations, step into clarity, and reconnect with their deeper purpose. This work has always been rooted in authenticity and transformation, and seeing it reflected through an external lens was a meaningful reminder of how far the mission has come—and how many lives are being impacted along the way.

I remain committed to advancing meaningful, values‑aligned work within the nonprofit and wellness spaces, always guided by a simple but powerful belief:

“Life isn’t meant to be endured; it’s meant to be embraced.”

This truth continues to shape the way Empowered & Free serves leaders, organizations, and individuals seeking deeper alignment and personal transformation.

An Invitation to Go Deeper: The Purpose Workshop — March 7th in Columbus, Ohio

For those who are ready to reconnect with purpose, gain clarity, and move forward with renewed direction, I’m thrilled to be leading The Purpose Workshop in Columbus, Ohio, on March 7th. This hands‑on, highly interactive experience is designed to help attendees:

• gain clarity around calling and purpose

• identify internal and external barriers

• reconnect with core values

• develop a focused, aligned plan for meaningful next steps

• step forward with confidence and renewed intention

This workshop is ideal for leaders, professionals, creatives, and anyone navigating transition or seeking deeper alignment in work and life. Seats are limited to ensure a personalized, high‑impact experience.

You can learn more and reserve your spot here:

https://tinyurl.com/The-Purpose-Workshop-2026

If you’re passionate about purpose‑driven growth or seeking greater clarity in your leadership journey, I’d love for you to explore Empowered & Free, attend the workshop, and join the ongoing conversation around living and leading with intention.

Your transformation matters—and this community is here to support it.

We hope to see you in Columbus, Ohio this March!

You may read the article in CEO Times here: https://ceotimes.com/breaking-free-erin-lambs-mission-to-empower-lives-and-transform-futures/

You may read about us in Women’s Insider here: https://womensinsider.com/from-survival-to-thriving-the-empowered-free-movement/

Warmly,

Erin Lamb

Founder and Owner of Lamb Enterprises LLC/Empowered & Free

Founder of Operation God is Love

Live on Purpose!

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One of my life’s missions is to help people know God’s love and to encourage people to live empowered & free.

I sincerely believe we could solve an abundance of the world’s problems we lived out of the love God has for us. When we know the height, depth, and width of God’s love for us, we are able to love our neighbors. When we abide in love, we are even able to love our enemies.

Our culture focuses on friendship love (philia) or romantic love (eros). There is focus on family love (storage). The love God has for humanity is agape love (unselfish, sacrificial, unwavering, eternal love). God love is revolutionary. Experiencing God’s love melts away insecurities, fears, wounds, worries, and strengthens our weaknesses.

There is an additional bonus to knowing God’s love. It empowers us to live bold, confident, and purpose filled lives.

Everything God created has a purpose; it has a reason for being. Every person God created has a purpose. I do not believe we were created to live aimless lives nor die in hustle culture. Though hustle culture is popular, even God rested. I heard a pastor say that hustling is a curse; it’s overworking and chasing provision that God desires to grace us to have. Grace, to me, is God’s supernatural ability to do what we could not do on our own. Grace enables us to live on purpose.

God invites us to live on purpose.

When we live in alignment with purpose, we are invigorated by what we do.

When we live in alignment with purpose, we see better dividends. Our giftings make room for us.

When we live in alignment with purpose, we learn our why and live out of our why.

There is a sticky note on my office wall that reads, “Remember your why.” On the days I am unmotivated, it helps to recall the why. Why did God place me here? What am I doing daily to align with that purpose?

If we know God’s love, learn our purpose, discover our why, we live more fulfilled lives.

In a world where people are grappling for identity, security, provision, love, and fulfillment-there are answers in God.

If you’d like to learn more about finding your why and living on purpose, join us in Columbus, Ohio at The Purpose Workshop on March 7th, 2026. We only set aside 30 seats for this event. Grab your seat today.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-purpose-workshop-with-author-erin-lamb-tickets-1980336949124?aff=oddtdtcreator

We’d also love to invite you to check out where we were recently featured in Women’s Insider.

https://womensinsider.com/from-survival-to-thriving-the-empowered-free-movement/

And check out the new author site: ErinLambAuthor.com.

Thank you for following this blog and your support over the years. You are appreciated.

Love,

Erin L Lamb

Now What?

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Radical Christianity in a Politicized Environment.

I started thinking lately of all the people who are losing their jobs, health insurance, federal funding, support, and they do not know how they will feed themselves or their children. Last month when we were out in the streets, there were double to triple the homeless out. One lady informed me that based on a recent Executive Order, they lost the funding to support transitional housing. Transitional housing affords the homeless temporary living quarters until they can become gainfully employed and afford their own home. Now they are back on the street.

I have been working for the past 12-13 years in the community feeding and clothing the unhoused. We are not sponsored by a church. We do not solicit donations. We are a group of volunteers going out to take care of least of them. What I’ve learned in my years of serving is it is far easier to get people to sign up to volunteer to see a celebrity Christian or go sit in a comfortable building, than it is to get people to give up part of their weekend to go feed the homeless. It’s far easier to go into a private voting booth and take away the rights of another person than it is to go across the street to share the love of Jesus with a stranger.

I’ve listened as the group I like to call “politicized Christians” talk about how we need the separation of church and state removed. They have advocated for Christians taking over the government because then we would see radical positive change in the world. I’ve watched as these “Christian” government leaders voted to take food and healthcare away from our poorest citizens. I’ve seen the political leaders celebrate firing people and taking away much needed benefits because there could be someone exploiting the system. I’ve witnessed behaviors that I think would have caused Jesus to flip over tables. The words of Jesus fall by the wayside because religion plus the empire is more important than obeying Jesus. It is the epitome of taking the name of the Lord in vain. How we treat the least of them is how we treat Jesus. His words, not mine.

…I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;  I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me [with help and ministering care].’ Then they also [in their turn] will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will reply to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did not do it for one of the least of these [my followers], you did not do it for Me.’ Then these [unbelieving people] will go away into eternal (unending) punishment, but those who are righteous and in right standing with God [will go, by His remarkable grace] into eternal (unending) life.”-Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 25:42-46).

History has proven that when the religious control the government, they do not do the will of Jesus. They build an empire of the elite and are often more oppressive than the non believing. The religious were often a target of Jesus’ harshest words because they had an outward appearance of piety yet inwardly they were wicked and proud. They were harmful to others and not agents of heavenly justice.

I believe our current political climate presents an opportunity for people who claim they know Jesus to get up and go serve the people losing their jobs, healthcare, or funding. Churches are tax exempt because they are supposed to be agents of social justice and servants in the community. I listened to an economist a few months ago who stated we are about to witness the greatest wealth gap in American history. The wealthiest gaining the most and the a good chunk of the middle class slipping into what is considered borderline poor. It may not seem like a big deal to people who are not living paycheck to paycheck, yet interested to see how it all plays out.

The bottom line is radical Christianity is radical love. It is the ability to be so good to people and the community that they question why. Is that what people are encountering with American Christians, or are we indistinguishable from those who don’t claim to know Jesus? In times of crisis are Christians the ones the world desires to run to or are we avoided because we lack godly wisdom and compassion.

I challenge you to look for ways to love you neighbors!

I challenge you to think of ways to share the goodness of God with people who are overlooked, pushed down, cast aside, unloved, and negatively impacted by the choices of other humans.

Politics are not to be more important than revealing who Jesus is to our neighbors and our enemies. Why? Because anything else is idolatry. Idols will not save anyone. At the end of our lives, God is not going ask about our political stance or church denomination. God will examine how we received his son and how we loved!

God bless you!

Erin