Ohio is somewhat infamous for the number of Christian billboards we have along our highways. Many are familiar with the “Hell is Real” sign just off of I-71. I was recently driving through southern Ohio when I saw this billboard.
After I saw it, I kept driving and thinking and driving and thinking. And then I started talking to myself. Which teachings of Jesus is the billboard referring to? Love your enemies? Go and sell all that you have and give it to the poor? Do genuine Christians obey all of Jesus’ teachings? Some of the teachings? Some of them, some of the time? Has there ever been a person in the time since Jesus lived who obeyed all of Jesus’ teachings? And what does this billboard call those of us who fail in this task of obeying Jesus’ teachings? Disingenuous Christians? Hypocrites? Failures condemned to outer darkness?
It’s not my favorite billboard.
But, it’s not enough to reject the wording of the billboard. What would I put on a billboard? Here are one of the many options I considered:
Jesus loves you. And invites us to love one another.
“Love God. Love Neighbor” – Jesus
What would you put on your billboard?
-Written by Rev. Amy Miracle
Your billboard idea is great.
I hate Christian billboards
Practice Kindness
I’m sure there’s something from last Sunday’s sermon relating to justice that would fit on a billboard.
I had in mind Amos 5:21 I hate, I despise….
Be Kind.
Do Justice.
Walk Humbly…
Everyday is a new chance to show God’s goodness to those around me.
Faith does not eliminate questions.
More compassion, less judgment.
Sometimes I just look up and smile and say I know that was you.
All I Know is Everything……………
God