The stank hit me in the face before I ever planted my foot on the top step. The whole second story of the half-constructed home we were staying in was permeated by a foul odor emitting from the partially open entrance to my makeshift bedroom. Even with half the window openings lacking glass, the smell lingered. I held my breath and pressed on only to find the very source of the funk was the roommate I was required to sleep a mere six inches away from for the remainder of the night.
“Bro, you need a shower.” I declared even before I could fully see his face in the dim light. My face contorted to display my disgust and I made it clear this was a serious matter. “I know, I haven’t bathed since we were at your house.” That was over seven days ago! I couldn’t believe this good looking young man would make a conscious choice to smell so horribly when there were washing facilities available for his use.
This hatred of water, generally typical of house cats, is also very common to the average North American short-term missionary. Our previous team had acted in the same manner and flew under my radar for nearly a week before my wife appeared and commanded them to be baptized immediately.
In considering the source of this aquaphobia, I’ve concluded that it has everything to do with a standard of comfort inherent in all who have spent their childhood immersed in opulence and a life of ease. “If it feels good, do it” surely has an antitheses that we all have bought into and spent our livelihoods on preserving. In the case of bathing, we’d trade in the horrific discomfort of a cool bucket bath for the relative ease of layers of deodorant and baby wipes any day. The suffering imposed on me by those handfuls of cold liquid have nothing on me as long as I abstain.
The problem with our ideology of enjoyment is that it is nearly opposite the requirements of following Jesus. “Indulge yourself, pick up a coffee, and follow Me” was not the Master’s recipe for discipleship, however churches these days would have us believe. If we want to be the real deal and waft the aroma of life onto those around us, we’ll have to go through the water and through the fire. We may have to skip a meal now and then. It’s possible that we might even experience physical discomfort, nay suffering as we live out an authentic Christian existence.
I’ve made a new statute for all future teams of laborers: Mandatory Bathing Day. The guiding edict behind such a wonderful regulation is that if you didn’t bathe yesterday, you will today, or else be tossed into the Lake. Since my good friend Bill-Harzia lives in Lake Victoria, it’s a good idea to take the few extra minutes each morning to cleanse the epidermis of all that might defile and perpetuate hints of sick.
In regards to my spiritual life, I need to implement some mandatory stuff as well. Fasting, prayer, study, worship…all the disciplines of the Christian life need be continually in operation, qualifying me for shadowing Jesus and preparing me for the unknown that lies ahead.
Let me grab a quick shower; then I’ll be ready to go…