Jesus: The Crutch For Humanity
Recently, a well-known NFL quarterback made some comments on a podcast about his views of Christianity. Most of what he said is similar to what many unbelievers say about God, like wondering how a good God can send people to hell and other such comments. However, in addition to that, he made a comment that has been made a few times previously by other well-known individuals: that Christianity is just a crutch for people to lean on. I must admit that at first, I was offended by the remark. However, after some reflection, I realized that he is actually right in a way.
Why does such a remark have the ability to make me and other Christians so irritated? Because, just like the unbelieving world, we resist the idea of appearing weak or like we don’t have our act together. We don’t like someone insinuating that we can’t handle life on our own. And this kind of response comes from a root of pride. If we are honest enough to admit it, we do need a crutch because we have come to the realization that we really cannot direct our lives on our own. No one can. We need a crutch named Jesus.
Without Jesus we cannot walk through this life in peace and blessing. I am happy to admit that I need to lean on Jesus every hour of every day. As a Christian I am in no way perfect, but because Jesus is perfect, I can rely on what He has done for me instead of trying to do it myself. I can never be good enough and I can never do enough good on my own. However, because I have accepted Jesus as my Savior, I get what He died to provide, and I can know I am good enough in Him. As a result, I can relax and let Him carry the weight and burdens of life for me. If that kind of reliance on Jesus isn’t similar to leaning on a crutch, I don’t know what is.
When someone makes a comment meant to belittle Christianity and make it appear to be for the weak, remember that all of mankind fell when Adam sinned and all people are inherently weak and unable to live life victoriously. The difference between believers and those who make such remarks is simply that we’ve admitted the truth about our weakness and aren’t too proud to ask Jesus for help. We are not better than those who haven’t accepted Christ; we are just better off.
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7 (Amplified Bible Classic Edition, AMPC)
Well, the enemy overplayed his hand this time. Now, because of his comments, that football player is a specific focus of my prayers, and I believe the Lord is going to make Himself real to him. My prayer is that he too will experience the joy of leaning on Jesus, the loving, caring Crutch for humanity.
