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Somebody Hit the Cruise Control!

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OK it's not like I haven't ever done anything strange or occasionally acted out in what might be considered quasi-psychotic ways, but the latest leak of the Cruise-ology video shows a side of Tommy that I really didn't expect. Of course, Oprah couch leaping is one thing, but an 8 minute lecture on how Scientologists are the 'only ones who can help' and they can 'create new realities' goes waaaaay past nationally televised furniture games.

And then there was the fallout. Lawsuits and threats and takedowns - oh my! Comments and discussions and blogs - oh my again! I definitely got a feeling I wasn't in Kansas anymore after being mentally chained to the surreal Scientology sermon that came chock full of turtlenecks and a seemingly endless loop of Limp Bizkit.

The thing that definitely caught my attention was the occasional comment posting that parallels the Cruise rant with Christianity - or at least some people's perception of it. Here's one sample:

To me he sounds exactly like one of those shiny-haired folks on the Trinity Network, talking about how their relationship with Jesus is so darned exciting and they just don't understand why more folks don't want to board that train. Which, I guess, raises the question of who would be more damaging to the populace at large, Crazy Scientologist Tom or Crazy Christian Tom.

Wow. And just how does one respond to that? Evidently this person has serious doubts and obvious misperceptions about the Christian faith. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I disagree with the parallels between Tom's performance and the wild-eyed televangelists who come off as 'the only ones who can help' and can help you 'create new realities' (if...the price is right!) - I guess my issue is a sadness that many folks haven't gotten a clear picture of what a relationship with God through Jesus Christ is truly like.

And whose fault is that? Yep, it's mine...and it might be yours as well, and it just might be time to 'leak' our own videos, only this time they contain a true and accurate representation of Christ followers. The great part is that Jesus laid it out in understandable and vivid terms in one of His most famous sermons. So jump off the internet for a few minutes and recline in the grass of ancient Israel. Look up and see Jesus on top of a mount and hear the words that should describe anyone who dares to call himself or herself a Christian:

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

"God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way."

Kind of a different picture than a shiny haired TV preacher man trying to get you to send money so God will 'bless you' - wouldn't you say? Jesus boldly proclaims that His followers are poor, mournful over their sin and the state of the world, humble, passionate about justice and mercy, pure in heart and mind, and set their sights on peace and righteous living. We realize that we are not the ones who can help, we can't 'create new realities' or 'unite cultures'...but we know Someone who can.

So if you are a follower of Jesus, think hard about how you come across to people when you are sharing the good news of the gospel. Obviously avoid semi-senseless verbiage and crazy-eyed maniacal laughter, but more than that, remember that you are simply one spiritual beggar showing another where to find the Bread of life.

Bottom line, be like Christ, and others will be drawn to Him through you. That's a message that should be spread faster than any leaked video in history!

Head: What you need to know about this truth

If we want people to be drawn to Jesus, we need to act more like Him.

Heart: What you need to feel about this truth

If Tom Cruise is *that* motivated by a faith we know to be a lie, how much more should Christians be excited about telling people about the truth???

Hands: What you need to do about this truth

Ask your friends about their perception of Christians and Christianity and see if there are any similarities with the way people are responding to this video. Then ask yourself if you are doing anything to contribute to any negative opinions.