What I Frequently Want To Say To Christians

Nadeen, a store clerk played by Cheri Oteri on SNL (in the ’90′s) had a catch phrase…

Simmer down now.

She was hysterical. My favorite was when she would say “simmer down now” with each syllable stretched out to sound like a race car changing gears.

That’s what I frequently want to say to Christians.

Chill out. Relax. Take a breath. It’s gonna be OK. Simmer down now.

In John chapter 10, Jesus describes himself as “the good shepherd.”

Here’s what the Good Shepherd brings to the table:

• His purpose is to give us life, abundant life.
• He sacrifices his own life for the sheep.
• He knows his sheep and his sheep know him.
• No one can take his sheep away from him.
• He calls his sheep by name.
• He leads them.

In this passage, Jesus contrasts the “good shepherd” with others (a thief, a stranger, a hired hand).

Here’s what those guys, let’s call them “bad shepherds,” bring to the table:

• Stealing, killing, and destroying.
• Abandoning the sheep when danger comes.

The Good Shepherd gives us peace and rest—with him we are home.

We are known and loved and cared for. We are family. And we are calm with confidence.

In contrast, those bad shepherds offer bad stuff.

If they were our shepherds, we would have good reason to freak out and be anxious.

I feel like many Christians act as if they have a bad shepherd.

They are insecure, anxious, nervous, concerned, stressed, living in fear, defensive, paranoid, on the run…

But we don’t have a bad shepherd.

We have the Good Shepherd.

Hello?

Simmer down now.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn how to live… freely and lightly. —Jesus (Matthew 11.28-30 MSG)