The Lovable Jerk
I know. A corvette and mention of a jerk. It must be that I have a corvette and you love me for it!
No, actually this is a dear friend and his first corvette. Trust me. It applies. You probably have a good question, though.
What is a lovable jerk?
To help you understand this, I have a couple of stories.
This past weekend was the monthly mens breakfast for my church. We had a great time at Denny’s with stories, life updates, and a great challenge about finishing strong. The pastor ducked out a little early. I jokingly thought to myself “He did not really finish! He left early!” When the rest of us walked to the front to pay our bills, there was some confusion at the register. It took a minute to figure out that “That one man with the glasses” (the pastor) “paid for it all.” I sent him a text message (do not get too mad at me, because I will explain myself):
“You are a jerk, but a lovable jerk who is greatly loved! May the Lord bless you and keep you, brother!”
(He loves me, too. And if you know about whom I am speaking, just praise God for his love.)
Another person is a lovable jerk. I put the same disclaimer here as for the pastor: praise God.
This man is that dear friend who, quite honestly, deserves a corvette. If you know this man, you agree. The story about him takes place when I was first allowed to see this man in action. Our car was having some issues, and (as has happened many times since) he offered to fix it. He fixed the car and paid for the parts he needed. I was at work when he did this, and I remember thinking “He better not have topped off the gas tank.” He did. He is still floored to this day that when I saw the gas gauge jump to “F” I looked at him and said “You jerk!” He asked his son later, “Was he mad at me?”
“No, dad,” he said. “He was saying thank you!”
Again, he still is amazed by this.
He has learned, though, what I really mean when I say it.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
When I call you a jerk, it usually means “You are jerking on my heart-strings, right now.”
When I call you a jerk, it usually means “You have done quite well!”
When I call you a jerk, it usually means “God, I praise You for this blessing through this person.”
You lovable jerks make me praise God.
Go be a lovable jerk for God. (See the related Philippians 2:12-13)
Go on! Do it!
(On a side note, today I was hired to work with 1st and 2nd grade autistic children in the same school district as my wonderful wife! Praise God! No, seriously … PRAISE HIM!)
a simple man of God 