#1 Jesus

In the spirit of Easter, I thought I'd start off my rejuvenated blog with none other than JESUS. What's not to like about him? Whether you identify as a Christian is irrelevant here. This is someone who stood for bucking the status quo. If there was any belief, creed, or tradition someone valued, Jesus was unafraid to call it into question. He wasn't trying to irk people or tell them how silly their ideas were; he did it to enhance their quality of life. One of my favorite examples of this is when he discusses, metaphorically, what it would cost to be his follower. It's risky to believe in Jesus - like hating your own family. It's so costly that Jesus warns those pursuing him to seriously consider whether they're up for the task because it's foolish to do so otherwise. "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?" Are Jesus followers willing to withstand the pressure and be true to themselves throughout? If not, you may want to re-think your religion.

As a leader of the people, Jesus stood for so many radical things in his time and ours. Here's a guy who challenged organized religion by boldly entering worship services and teaching what he believed to be the essence of God's heart. Here's a guy willing to spend much of his public and private time with low-lifes throughout his country. As much as he spoke sharp words that cut you to the core, he more so gave hope to all walks of life. It's only in retrospect that his followers realized that his convicting words and edifying speeches were one in the same - opportunities for a fresh start and empowerment to make their pipe dreams of a better life become actualized.

Equally as amazing as his words is his methodology. His subtle approach to changing a nation had more effect than if he had run for political office or took a Robin Hood approach to social justice. Jesus led a revolution that was risky for the follower, but even more daring for the leader. His whole premise was that his death would change more lives than his living. You don't hear that on CNN everyday! Jesus had to go if people were going to put their faith in an invisible God.

There are many who claim Jesus as their religion, but the true followers of Jesus engage in a lifelong journey to know him and emulate his love for people and longing for others to experience life free from the bonds of social injustice and personal wrongdoing in exchange for one of limitless potential.