Chad Dearey

Dearey Kids,

Our intentions were pure, but the methods were man-made. No secular T.V., no secular music, watch out for people who drink-they might be falling from the faith. Stay away from that guy that smokes. Oh- she swears, our kids can’t hear that. Never miss church on a Sunday. Say the right things, behave the right way. Rules. Standards. Judgement.

In an effort to become holy, we became religious. We looked down on anyone that didn’t live in the beautiful Christian box that we built.  Pharisees that did everything right on the outside, but falling apart on the inside. We thought we were building this box to protect you. We were trying to set a standard for our family to live by. Do’s and Don’ts. Black and White.

The challenge with striving to become holy on the outside is that it leaves you frustrated. You can never obtain the spiritual pinnacle that you are looking for. Someone is always more spiritual, more gifted, a better worshiper, has deeper prayers, and so on. We find ourselves chasing something that can never be obtained.

Jesus lived this incredible balance between pursuing our Father and pursuing people. He aimed to not only be relevant and relational but He had something of substance to give. Jesus went everywhere that we would not dare to go.  He hung out with the worst of the worst. Drunks, thieves, liars, cheaters, and adulterers were friends of his. What was the difference between Jesus and us? He walked in such love and compassion that his “friends” desired to follow Him. His love built trust and his trust built a relationship.

Pursue the drunks, thieves, liars, cheaters, and adulterers at your school, in our neighborhood, on your teams, and yes..at our church. Pursue them without a hidden agenda. Love them. Love them where they are at, love them when they make mistakes, love them when they offend you and love them when it does not make sense. Your love and relationship will give Him a doorway to speak through you and to use you.

I love you Dearey Kids,

Dad

Matthew 5: 47

If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.