Author: Jason Morris

Misrepresenting Jesus: A Daily Problem

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I have a confession to make: I misrepresent Jesus every single day.

Sometimes it happens in ways that are small and easy to ignore—a cynical thought, a critical comment, a moment of pride that flares up in the middle of a conversation.

Other times, it’s bigger. I catch myself judging fellow Christians harshly, saying things like, “How dare they wear a cross or proclaim to be followers of Christ when their words, actions, and votes contradict the very teachings of Jesus?”

And then I realize, in that very moment, I’m guilty of the same thing. I’m misrepresenting Jesus by letting my judgment and ego take the wheel…because this judgment is often coming from a place of egotistical pride, rather than compassionate concern.

Jesus once asked, “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye but do not notice the plank in your own?”(Matthew 7:3). Those words hit hard because they expose the truth: it’s easy to spot the faults of others and ignore our own. I can read books like John Pavlovitz’s If God is Love, Don’t Be a Jerk and smugly nod along, thinking, “Yes, all those jerky Christians need to hear this.” But if I’m honest, I need to hear it too.

That doesn’t mean we stop holding one another accountable. There are absolutely times when Christians must call out the blatant misuse of Jesus’ name—especially when faith is weaponized to harm the vulnerable, excuse injustice, or prop up systems of oppression. But accountability without humility is just arrogance dressed in religious clothing. Accountability without compassion is just another form of judgment.

The truth is, we’re all stumbling our way through this life of faith. I fall short more than I get it right. And maybe that’s the point—faith is less about proving we’re perfect and more about learning how to extend grace, even as we long for justice. It’s about being honest about the ways we misrepresent Jesus and choosing to live differently tomorrow.

Because let’s be clear: when we use our religion to justify policies and behaviors that strip dignity away from people, we’re misrepresenting Jesus. When we cheer on violence, ignore genocide, mistreat the stranger in our midst, or cut funding for programs that provide healthcare, food, housing, and education, we’re putting words in Jesus’ mouth that He never spoke. We are misrepresenting Jesus when we’re using His name and our Christian faith to defend hatred.

Instead, what if we became known for our civility rather than our rage? What if we embodied the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—instead of the rotten fruit of division, judgment, and hatred? What if we really believed Jesus is big enough to overcome what divides us? What if we proclaimed, in word and deed, that we are ready to “let love rule” (as Lenny Kravitz sings)?

If Jesus is truly our guide, then the world should be able to see it. Not through our pride or our shouting, but through the ways we live—honest about our failures, committed to being better, and working tirelessly for love, grace, compassion, peace and mercy.

Maybe then, we could spend less time misrepresenting Jesus and more time showing the world who He really is.

“You Don’t Look Like a Pastor.”

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It was a Friday night about 14 years ago.

I was leading the wedding rehearsal for a young couple at the church I was serving. I was wearing my typical rehearsal attire: khaki’s, polo, my favorite Doc Martens. For those who know me, this qualifies as “dressed up!” I mean, the polo was even tucked in!

As the bridal party was gathering, the father of the bride introduced himself and started asking some questions: “Where’s the altar? Where’s the kneeling rail? Where do people get saved?”

Based on his line of questioning, I had a pretty good idea of the type of church this gentleman attended. We had a nice conversation about worship styles and ministry approaches. It seemed like the conversation was coming to a close when we both agreed that keeping Jesus as the focus is what’s most important.

Then he made a statement that was more puzzling than anything else. “You don’t look like a pastor.”

I implied that I’d rather “live and be” like a pastor than just keep up the appearance of a pastor and then asked, “So, what exactly does that mean?”

He replied, “Oh, you know…suit and tie, clean shaven, slick backed hair, that kind of stuff.”

Now, to be fair, my hair was in a bit of a wild state as I was in the middle of a wager to grow my hair out like chef Hubert Keller.

I’ve always embraced an attitude of, “this is who I am, so this is what you’ll get” when it comes to my pastoral “style.” Whether it’s my attire, my use of humor/sarcasm, my early onset grumpiness, my proclamation that I have one suit and I only wear it for weddings, funerals, and to ask for large sums of money, or my desire to help us not take ourselves too seriously, I really just don’t care that much what others think.

While I believe we should take care of ourselves so that we are healthy enough to serve, I’m not sure God truly desires that we place too much pride in our appearance. In fact, 1 Samuel 16:7 pretty much confirms my assumption, “…Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the Lord sees into the heart.”

And, most church-going Christians will agree, “it’s the heart that matters most.” But, far too many are still convinced that we need to come in our “Sunday best.”

I remember hearing a colleague share about a member who pulled him aside to announce his disappointment in one of the younger members church attire. The person announced that he felt it was disrepectful to wear jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers to a worship service. “That’s no way to honor God,” the man stated.

My friend replied, “Well, I’m not sure if you are aware of this, but that person is wearing $500 designer jeans, $1,200 sneakers, and is one of our most faithful and generous members. And, he shows up early every Sunday to lead our high school Bible study.” Now, I’m not sure he should have talked about the persons generosity…but I know he was just trying to humble (and shut up) the grumpy member.

Some have suggested that we dress in a way that reflects our context. Well, the most direct neighbors to our church would probably be the people sleeping in our alley or across the street at the mission. Wearing a suit and tie just might feel a bit out of touch. Down the street is the “business sector.” 15 years ago, the suit and tie would have been more prevalent, but today even the business sector has become more casual. If I see someone in a suit and tie, I assume they are on their way to court!

I mean, the largest and fastest growing churches in my local context are some of the most casual, informal churches I’ve ever visited. Some of the pastors and worship leaders in these congregations look like they just got out of their pontoon or were in the background of a Justin Bieber video. I mean, my only question is why are Dahmer glasses (wire-rimmed, double-bridged, aviator-style frames) so popular among evangelical megachurch pastors?

Maybe it isn’t about attire after all?

I mean, just exactly who are we trying to impress? God or our neighbor? I don’t think anyone could convince me that those who “dress up” score more points with God than those who don’t.

It’s not about being hip and cool…it’s not about our Sunday best…it’s about being ourselves – being who God created us to be.

So, whether you are a suit and tie, dress and hat, jeans and t-shirt, formal, informal or business casual type person, just be yourself! I’m conviced that God prefers that we all “be” the part than “look” the part.

Advice You Didn’t Ask For…

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This morning, I found myself thinking about the “constantly irritated” state I seem to find myself in these days. Whether I’m watching the news, checking in on my favorite sports teams (I’m a Ball State, Cubs, Colts, Bears fan…so, I’m used to disappointment), listening to the radio, I find that so much of what I watch or listen to clouds my mind with irriating, angering information.

Recognizing that this can negatively impact my interactions with others, I realize that I need to take some proactive steps to avoid being “constantly irritated.”

With that, here are some suggestions I’m going to offer for myself…and maybe you’ff find some of them helpful too.

1. Turn off the television.

In the world of the 24-hour news cycle, it is so easy to have the noise of the news constantly in our ears. It’s pretty rare that the news shares positive and uplifting stories. It’s usually about how the world is falling apart. We can only take so much.

So, turn off the TV…or at the very least, change the channel.

2. Listen to perspectives you normally dismiss.

Let’s be honest, most of us have our preferred news sources. And, we are loyal to those news sources…to the point that we label the other news sources as pushers of propaganda. And, if we are using our logic, reason and common sense tools, we know that ALL of the news outlets are pushing propaganda.

In Fort Wayne, if you normally listen to WOWO on your commute, listen to NPR (and vice versa). If you normally listen to STAR 88.3, listen to Rhythym & Praise (94.1). If you listen to the Homestead radio station (91.1) listen to Columbia City (91.5).

If you watch CNN, watch FOX too. If you watch The Daily Show, watch Gutfield.

Or take some time to read some papers from around the world.

3. Read for fun and drink better coffee.

Maybe you don’t drink coffee (sinner!). So, find a nice tea or flavored water. The idea here is to just slow down and enjoy a relaxing moment.

With all of the noise around us, read something that isn’t related to your vocation – or tied into current world events. This is an opportunity to take a break.

4. Listen to Frank Zappa (or your favorite musician).

When I was in middle school, my dad took me to a Louie Bellson drum clinic. Before Louie came out, a college percussion ensemble performed. Part of their set included selections from Zappa’s “Apostrophe” album. I was mesmerized! Following the clinic, my dad took me to a local record shop where we picked up several Zappa records. My dad then showed me where he kept his Zappa stash (my mom didn’t want him to indoctrinate me at too young of an age). Zappa quickly became my favorite musician.

Earlier this week, I was feeling a little stressed and as soon as I heard “watch out where the huskies go and don’t you eat that yellow snow,” the stress released, I smiled, laughed and relaxed.

Maybe Zappa isn’t your thing…but I think we should all take time to listen to the music that brings us joy.

5. Go for a walk…even if it’s cold outside!

There’s something about being outside that refreshes my spirit. There are all kinds of reports that deal with the positive impact, mentally, physically and spiritually, of being outside. It’s cold today…but take the time to bundle up and spend some time outside. At the very least, the cold air will wake you up!

And, while you’re outside, if you have the opportunity…jump in a cold lake! Research also indicates this is good for our holistic wellness.

6. Spend time with people who bring you joy.

My favorite people happen to be my family. Make the people who bring you joy a priority. Spend time with family and friends. Whether it’s sharing a meal, doing a puzzle, going for a walk or just sitting around talking, this time together is important.

7. Watch the sun rise or set.

My friend, the late William Conner, used to talk about the importance of stopping, looking and listening. He often shared stories about the sunset and how described the colors as “sky blue pink.” He inspired me to do my best to be inspired by and thankful for things that happen every single day…like the sun rising and setting.

Anti-Woke…Anti-DEI…Anti-Gospel…Anti-Jesus

/ Jason Morris / 1 Comment

A couple of days ago, I had a t-shirt pop up in a “things you might light” post.

After “liking” and sharing the image on social media, the algorithm’s set about their work and shared another t-shirt with me this morning.

To be honest, these algorithms are “spot on” because I truly “love” both shirts.

Both t-shirts have stirred up some thoughts that led me to my under-utilized blog.

Over the last several election cycles, many “Christians” have advocated for policies and candidates that embrace an “anti-woke” and “anti-DEI” agenda. For many “Christians,” the assumption has been made that “the reason why the USA is going to hell-in-a-handbasket is because of the ‘woke liberals’ and their ‘progressive agenda’ that promote crazy ideas like diversity, equity and inclusion.”

There are others who may not have this perspective, but have supported candidates who embrace these types of “anti-woke” and “anti-DEI” values because these candidates often make empty promises that their “anti-woke, anti-DEI” policies will lead to lower grocery and gas prices. Maybe I’ve missed it, but I feel like that’s not really working out for us right now. Many of the “on day 1” promises have been replaced with important legislation, like banning paper straws and renaming the Gulf of Mexico (sarcastic tone implied). Call me cynical, but I’m struggling to see how this is going to make my groceries cheaper.

What I am seeing is that programs that are meant to help support the most marginalized members of our society are being gutted and defunded, while billionaires are signing new government contracts for unnecessary space exploration.

When one really digs deep into so much of what is being claimed as “Christian values” within the political sector today, one will easily discover that much of it is void of biblical, Christ-like values.

Many Christians support the pro-life movement. But many of the pro-life folks are actually just “pro-birth.” Many that work to protect the sancity of life and worked tirelessly to reverse Rov vs. Wade also promote policies that cut funding to programs that care for that life after birth. We’re pro-life and pro-war. We’re pro-life and pro-capital punishment. We’re pro-life and anti-affordable healthcare. We’re pro-life and anti-free school lunch. So, maybe we should just call it what it is…we aren’t pro-life, we are pro-birth. We can make a case that protecting the life of the unborn is Christ-like, but not caring for that life after birth is Christ-less.

One of the great things about the States is our freedom…freedom of speech, thought, the right to be wrong. So, feel free to embrace these “anti” positions…just stop claiming them for Jesus!

Leading up to elections, I always encourage folks to read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). If someone won’t take the time to read these chapters, I suggest at least reading the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). These passages reveal the heart of Jesus.

They demonstrate that Jesus is always on the side of the poor, the marginalized, the overlooked, the abused, the least and the last.

They show that Jesus never took a “me first” approach, but always embraced the “others first” mentality. Jesus was not proud or arrogant, but took on the posture of a humble servant.

Jesus did not use fear and intimidation, but embodied love, mercy, and grace.

Jesus called out the oppressors and championed the cause of the oppressed.

Jesus spoke worth and value into those society devalued. He empowered women (I mean, it was the women who announced His resurrection, the first ones to preach the Gospel). He told those who asked “who is the greatest in the Kingdom” that if we want to enter the Kingdom we must become like children (Matthew 18:1-5).

In the American-Evangelical “Christian” pursuit of “anti-woke” and “anti-DEI” policies, I am afraid these “Christians” have embraced an “anti-Gospel” and “anti-Jesus” agenda. Though I embrace a very progressive eschatology (I’m more of a “this is a metaphor – a story to tell us that “love wins” and not a “this is going to play out just like that Kirk Cameron movie based on a piece of rapture-inspired fiction” kind of guy), I could be convinced that in the American-Evangelical “Christian” pursuit of “taking America back” some may have actually embraced a political idol that is actually “anti-Christ.”

So, what do we do? Well, we do the things Jesus called us to do: love God, love neighbor, love enemies, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, make sure everyone has something to drink, care for the sick, visit the imprisoned, care for the orphan and widow, provide for the least of these. In other words, don’t be a jerk.

And, that’s the challenging part for me. Because I am committed to the way of Jesus, that means I’m committed to doing the hard work of loving the folks that are giving Jesus and Christianity a bad name. That means I have to embrace the posture of a humble servant. That means I have to love God, neighbor, and even my enemy. That means I have to strive to stop being a jerk.

Have We Lost Our Way?

/ Jason Morris / 1 Comment

If you have watched the news recently, you’ve probably noticed a movement among some Christians pushing for the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. For many of us, this might feel a bit puzzling. After all, is advocating for the Ten Commandments in schools truly a reflection of the priorities that Jesus called His followers to uphold?

Interestingly, if we look to the Gospels, Jesus didn’t tell His followers to publicly display commandments or religious symbols. His focus was never on outward symbols of faith but on living out a life of compassion, love, and service. He emphasized caring for the poor, feeding the hungry, and welcoming the marginalized. So why has this public display of the Ten Commandments become such a hot-button issue for some?

In fact, it’s surprising how many voices advocating for the Ten Commandments in schools also advocate for cuts to programs designed to support the most vulnerable in society—the very people Jesus called us to care for. These programs address fundamental human needs like food, shelter, and healthcare, aligning directly with Jesus’ teachings about caring for the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40).

If these advocates are proposing these cuts with the expectation that Christians will step up and provide for the hungry, homeless, and needy directly, that’s admirable—but realistically, it’s a burden that faith communities alone cannot bear. Far too often, this push is less about taking on social responsibility and more about ignoring the needs of those who can’t “pull themselves up by the bootstraps.”

“Red Letter Christians,” a term referring to those who give special attention to Jesus’ words in the Gospels, have been criticized in mainstream American Christianity as “progressive” or “social justice warriors.” Yet, these Christians are simply trying to live out the radical love and justice that Jesus embodied. Isn’t it time we reexamine what it truly means to follow Jesus?

The truth is, the priorities of American Christianity seem to have shifted. In many ways, we’ve gone from a movement defined by Jesus’ teachings to a political agenda that, at times, ignores or even contradicts the heart of the Gospel. Instead of focusing on loving God and loving our neighbors as Jesus commanded, some segments of Christianity have taken up the banner of religious nationalism, often at the expense of compassion and justice.

Perhaps instead of focusing on posting the Ten Commandments in schools, we should turn our attention to the commandments Jesus gave us: to love God and to love our neighbors. Let’s ask ourselves, as followers of Christ, how we can more closely align with His teachings—not through symbols or displays, but through tangible acts of love, justice, and compassion. Because, in the end, a life lived like Jesus’ speaks more profoundly than any display of words on a wall.