Pop Theology: "Work Hard Play Hard"

If you've read this post, or happen to live within a 5 mile radius of Rach and my's bachelorette pad, you probably know that I jam out on my morning runs. If the song doesn't have at least 160 bpm, its out. One of my new favorites just so happens to be David Guetta and Ne-Yo's "Work Hard Play Hard." Man that song gets me pumped.

Take a knee, yo.

Christians get a bad rap (pun not intended) when it comes to having fun. The unfortunate stereotype in our culture pictures us sitting around on our high horses with noses in the air and hands folded, watching as the rest of the world dances. We're pegged as boring and judgmental; our only amusement in life being fist-pumping to the Veggie Tales soundtrack.

Isn't it sad that this picture is the exact opposite of what Jesus had in mind for us?

I think, as Christians, we should be the funnest people on this planet. We have the one thing that makes life worth living - a relationship with the Creator and confidence that this world is not our end destination. Shouldn't that be reason to celebrate and live joyfully every single day?

Jesus worked hard. No doubt about that. If Jesus was hanging out on earth today, He would be on the cover of every leadership book written in the last decade. But what we fail to take into consideration is the fact that Jesus knew how to have a good time. He played hard (maybe not in the context Ne-Yo describes, but Jesus was human. He enjoyed life).

Hold on to your hymnals, people.

1. Jesus had a big group of friends. The Marion B-Dubs would be so annoyed if Jesus and His disciples came rolling in on a Friday night. Thirteen dudes with long beards and big appetites would have the wait staff scowling until they left unusually good tips. I wonder how Jesus would have liked His wings.

2. Jesus told the best stories. There is always that one friend who captures attention at social gatherings with entertaining tales. In the BC's, these were called parables.

3. Jesus went to parties. Once again, I say "parties" cautiously, because I can assure you that biblical parties looked a little different than the parties of today. But Jesus went to weddings and other social events to hang out. I'm a little jealous of those couples who were blessed enough to have Him in the audience. I want Jesus to do the toast at my wedding. Talk about perfection.

4. Jesus loved little kids. This one gets me every time. In His perfect humility, Jesus held babies and let toddlers sit on His lap. The Son of God forwent His busy schedule every now and again just to love on little kids. Um, wow. Pass me the tissues.

5. Jesus loved people. Relationships are the essence of life and what it means to be human. Building friendships with people is what we were created for, and our charge as Christians. Thus is why "high horse" stereotype is so frustrating, because it completely goes against our purpose on earth. Instead looking down our noses at everyone, we need to be right beside them, our arm around their shoulders.

Its time to get rocking and rolling and show the world what we're made of. Let's play.