A Candy Coated Jesus

by Mark Spencer

A Candy Coated Jesus
By Mark Spencer

Why is it that we always try
To candy coat the truth.
We treat our congregations like
Impressionable youth.

We let them think they do enough
In following their goal,
By tending to their own affairs,
And saving their own soul.

But anyone can save themselves,
For if such deeds sufficed,
A lighter path would have been walked,
By those who followed Christ.

We would hear nothing of prophets,
No saints would risk their lives.
Paul would have told the faithful few
To go home to their wives.

But that was not the road they walked,
They shared God's truth, and grace.
They did not build THEMSELVES a church,
Nor tarry in one place.

They didn't candy coat the truth,
Or promise salvation,
In order to inspire the crowd
To make a donation.

For the truth had made them wealthy,
Their spirits full of light.
While the world saw only beggars,
They were rich in God's sight.

They did all that was asked of them,
They carried our Lord's flame.
And if this task was asked of you,
Could you have done the same?

That question was rhetorical,
We both know you could not.
You'd have to give up everything...
Your life, and all you've got.

It's easy using empty words,
To boast of things we'd do.
IF someday the Lord should choose
To chart this course for you.

But if we do not have such faith,
Would Jesus even ask,
If He knew it would prevent us
From completing the task?

The truth is...we don't do enough,
To walk the righteous path.
We think our ways will lead to grace,
When they might lead to wrath.

Put your candy coated Jesus,
And pretenses away.
If you don't face the truth right now,
You will...on Judgment Day.

End.