My name is Ben.
I want to be a preacher. I know what you’re thinking. “Big deal. Big. Fat. Hairy. Deal.” I know, I think that all the time. What do I know, after all? I’m just a dude. Not even a particularly smart one. Above average looks, perhaps, but does that qualify me to give theological training, spiritual guidance, and general advice on all the big life questions? I don’t think so.
Here’s the thing. I’ve received a lot of advice in my life. Most of it I didn’t ask for and a lot of it turned out to be pretty useless. But some of it came from people who seemed to know what they were talking about. It had a certain feel of truth to it, even though it sounded pretty fantastical. Things like “Love your enemy” or “Lose your life to save it.” These people didn’t make this stuff up. They got it from a Book that seemed to them to answer their deepest questions.
I’m not really interested in unlocking the treasure chest of my own wisdom. That chest, though elaborately decorated, is suspiciously light, betraying its meager contents. But I find that when Jesus talks things get clearer and life, though no less difficult, makes a little more sense. If I could share with you what he teaches me, well…maybe that’s worth doing.
Big Hairy Deal is blog for young men making their way as spiritual leaders. We’ll talk about everything that goes along with faith and leadership and, along the way, we’ll try to remember that we’re no big deal. He is.
