After giving my life to Jesus back in 2006, one of the first things that happened was I started to write poetry for the first time in years. The message I felt I wanted to share through my writing was and still is the soul-saving news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I become aware of how important this message is. Nothing else matters so much in this troubled world as lovingly pointing lost souls to their Saviour while seeking to encourage other members in the Body Of Christ. I always pray that I can share the truth, in love, and wisely use the time God has given me for His glory.
There have been occasions over the years, however, where I’ve been quite baffled to discover that many Christians and churches are somewhat apologetic when it comes to Jesus and sharing the Gospel. In one breath, I’ve been asked to speak on account of my “bold writing and fervent heart for the Lord,” while in the next breath, I’m given the request to keep things “watered down.” I’ve been asked several times in the past to “tread lightly” when it comes to sharing the love of Christ and Biblical truths.
I think one particular quote from preacher Charles Spurgeon sums up my feelings on this matter rather well. He said,
“Live while you live. Play not at living, but live in real earnest and let it never be said of you that you trod so lightly on the sands of time that you left no impress there. Make your mark upon your age and fill your appointed place.”
When it comes to sharing the Gospel, I’m in full agreement about being sensitive to the specific surroundings, practicing spiritual discernment, and sharing the truth with gentleness and respect. I think these are wise and Biblical things to consider and put into practice.
What I won’t consider is coming across as embarrassed by the God who gave His life for me. God forbid I talk about Jesus with any less passion than when other people talk about the person they love wholeheartedly! Jesus won my heart for eternity and I long to see others completely enraptured by His love too.
I pray I can spend my days joyfully sharing the Good News of Jesus, and it’s with this upbeat tone that I felt inspired to write my poem, “Too Much Jesus.” The style of writing I used for these verses is slightly less formal than my usual way of writing, as it’s based on some of the conversations I’ve had over the years.
My hope is that the sentiment of this poem can inspire us to never be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or underestimate the power our testimony can have in the lives of others. May we always seek to exude the fragrance of Christ to the world around us and remember that we are called to be oaks of righteousness, planted of the Lord for the display of His splendour!
“You give us ‘too much Jesus.’ It really is a lot. The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I become aware of how important this message is. Nothing else matters so much in this troubled world as lovingly pointing lost souls to their Saviour while seeking to encourage other members in the Body Of Christ. I always pray that I can share the truth, in love, and wisely use the time God has given me for His glory.
There have been occasions over the years, however, where I’ve been quite baffled to discover that many Christians and churches are somewhat apologetic when it comes to Jesus and sharing the Gospel. In one breath, I’ve been asked to speak on account of my “bold writing and fervent heart for the Lord,” while in the next breath, I’m given the request to keep things “watered down.” I’ve been asked several times in the past to “tread lightly” when it comes to sharing the love of Christ and Biblical truths.
I think one particular quote from preacher Charles Spurgeon sums up my feelings on this matter rather well. He said,
“Live while you live. Play not at living, but live in real earnest and let it never be said of you that you trod so lightly on the sands of time that you left no impress there. Make your mark upon your age and fill your appointed place.”
When it comes to sharing the Gospel, I’m in full agreement about being sensitive to the specific surroundings, practicing spiritual discernment, and sharing the truth with gentleness and respect. I think these are wise and Biblical things to consider and put into practice.
What I won’t consider is coming across as embarrassed by the God who gave His life for me. God forbid I talk about Jesus with any less passion than when other people talk about the person they love wholeheartedly! Jesus won my heart for eternity and I long to see others completely enraptured by His love too.
I pray I can spend my days joyfully sharing the Good News of Jesus, and it’s with this upbeat tone that I felt inspired to write my poem, “Too Much Jesus.” The style of writing I used for these verses is slightly less formal than my usual way of writing, as it’s based on some of the conversations I’ve had over the years.
My hope is that the sentiment of this poem can inspire us to never be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or underestimate the power our testimony can have in the lives of others. May we always seek to exude the fragrance of Christ to the world around us and remember that we are called to be oaks of righteousness, planted of the Lord for the display of His splendour!
Keep your passion burning, but just maybe not so hot.
Your writing’s very Christian and full of ‘Christianese.’
We’ve got some non-believers in; they might not feel at ease.
Don’t give us ‘too much Jesus,’ don’t shine the light so brightly.
We like to ‘tickle ears’ and so perhaps just tread more lightly.
Tone it down a little and make things more obscure.
Don’t use words like ‘sin’ or ‘wrong.’ That makes folk feel unsure.
Don’t mention ‘hell’ or ‘judgement,’ and don’t say ‘condemnation!’
We’d rather make the message open to interpretation.
Let’s leave them feeling comfy, no matter where they stand.
Be ‘relevant’ and tell a joke! Now that would just be grand.
Don’t give us ‘too much Jesus’; we’d rather please the masses.
Mention God just once or twice, that number surely passes.
Don’t talk about ‘repentance’; that’s really not good news.
Our preference is affirming folk within their dodgy views.
We like to think we’re ‘changing lives’ without creating fuss.
Don’t say things that are challenging; we’d like them to like us!
Don’t share the words of Jesus, it might be seen as ‘hate.’
Your fervour is extreme, you know, but hey, we think you’re great!
We love the way you word things and speak for what is true.
Now could you lose that boldness and just alter what you do?
We’re thrilled that you love Jesus and give you our respect.
Now could you drop your Sword but still create the same effect?
Just keep things nice and subtle; we don’t want to offend.
Water down the Gospel, give a weak, diluted blend.
Disregard the Scriptures that call us to be brave.
Don’t talk about the Cross or how the sinner can be saved.
Don’t give us ‘too much Jesus’ or speak about His love.
Just mention, ‘We’re all made by God,’ and that should be enough!
Stay seated on the padded fence and safely in the grey.
Modern times demand we don’t upset in any way!
Just give a ‘feel-good message’ and blow wind up their skirt.
Drop the quotes from Scripture, for that surely wouldn’t hurt.
Don’t blabber on too much about the Lord or things divine.
Just don’t give ‘too much Jesus,’ and we’ll get along just fine!”
It seems that many people like to keep the message “beige.”
It breaks my heart to realise we’re on a different page.
I cannot bear to think of wasted opportunity.
I’m not ashamed of Christ because He’s not ashamed of me!
Why dilute the Gospel, fearing how it comes across?
His love was not diluted when he died upon that Cross!
He gave His life to save me, which my soul cannot forget,
So if you pass the mic to me, the Gospel’s what you’ll get!
I’ll not apologise for Christ; He saved the sinner’s soul!
I live for God and God alone, and this is how I roll.
It all leads back to Jesus, no matter how I try,
If “wishy-washy’s” what you want, then I am not your guy!
Please let me fight my corner, and should you think I’m wrong,
I happily will wish you well and simply just move on!
Everyone’s encouraged now to boldly “speak their truth!”
So let me speak the truth of God and speak without reproof.
Why would I “tread lightly” when eternity’s at stake?
You’ll find me treading lovingly and all for Jesus’ sake!
Should this ruffle feathers or be seen as “not in favour,”
I’ll take that chance if it could mean a soul comes to their Saviour!
I’d rather cause a small offence with Scriptural quotation
Than rob a lost and hurting soul the chance to know salvation!
God’s Word brings life and hope and light, so never mind “PC.”
I’ll always seek to share the truth, as others did for me.
Truth requires courage; it plays a crucial part.
Don’t try to douse the passion God has placed within my heart!
If by “Christianese” you mean I quote the Word of God,
Then may I never cease to use the double-edgéd Sword!
Let the light of Jesus shine, for wickedness increases!
May His Word go forth; it shall accomplish what He pleases.
We’ll give account for how we’ve used our time upon this Earth
And only what’s been done for Christ will be of any worth!
The Gospel truly is the greatest message we can tell.
Let’s run the race set out for us and aim to run it well.
I won’t give you “too much Jesus,” for there’s really no such thing.
Let’s make a mark upon this age and live for Christ our King!
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Philippians 2:5-16
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or laboured in vain.”
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