As the Monk at the Abbey of Gethsemane
Once wisely taught us Beloveds
One can be a believer in the historical Jesus
And an Imperialist every moment of their lives **

Believers are doers of checklist religion:
Believe in the historical figure of Jesus….check
Sit in your pew in your church every Sunday….check
Tithe according to the Give Generously committee….check
Serve the poor you oppress….check
Worship God from afar….check

There is a world of difference in believers and followers
In checking off and checking in as a bearer
In observing from the crowd and carrying your own cross
In doing as believers and being as follower disciples

Followers are authentic disciples faithfully carrying their cross
Being followers in the footsteps of The Way of Jesus
Being confessors and repenters of Costly Grace ***
Being humble, merciful, and just as required by God ****
Being transforming and reconciling in authentic community
Dying unto themselves and resurrecting in Eternal Life

God do not allow me to watch from the accusing crowd another moment
A lost and wandering ghost of this world
Make in a Spirit, not a ghost
Wake, waking, woke

Herb Stone ©
here&now working poetry
May 2019

* Psalm 23:4
** Thomas Merton quote
*** Dietrich Bonhoeffer “The Cost of Discipleship”
**** Micah 6:8