Why Christians Should Wear Speedos

Once in church I was listening to a story of how a huge bald man wearing only his Speedo, running  shoes and iPod jogged past the secluded forest worship service this young minister was leading during his summer evangelism efforts in the Ukraine  (before the Ukraine became unstable).  I couldn't help but think despite how interesting and inviting a forest worship service in the Ukraine sounded, I would prefer to be the dude in the Speedo jogging freely in God's creation.  I think Jesus would prefer jogging in the Speedo too, after all he did do crazy stunts like walking on water and hanging out alone in the desert with the devil.  Jesus spent most of his ministry outside of the traditional temple setting and practices.  Everyday of Jesus ministry was unpredictable and well, risky.  Jesus has the Feds on his back.

It's not that I don't appreciate new ideology or moral encouragement shared in church meetings and of course the esprit de corps of song is moving--just not as moving as running on a secluded Ukrainian forest trail in a Speedo.  Running in a speedo is much more out of the ordinary, perhaps the worship devotional would have been out of the ordinary for the huge Ukranian man.  I believe Jesus wants us to try the extraordinary to build our faith, once we have overcome our greatest obstacle, everything else is downhill, right?  At least until the next obstacle arises.   

It seems to me that walking on water attempts and dangerous ship rides were extraordinary efforts of the apostles and hallmark faith building events for them as well.  We remember with great detail times of risk: air gliding, Polar Bear Plunges, Mud Runs, trying yoga. 

I don't own a Speedo or the female triathlon equivalent.  I gave up running years ago though do occasionally jog for a convenient workout on vacation. Perhaps the next time I'm on vacation I will take that jog in the forest in my Speedo equivalent of sports bra and yoga shorts.  I hope I'm as comfortable as the Ukrainian dude, running past a group of young adults singing Christian hymns.     In efforts to grow your faith, I encourage you to try something outrageous, though make sure to keep the Feds off your back while on that road less traveled.