A church near us has a sign that reads, “Stay thirsty, my friends – for the Living Water.” Now, aside from the fact that the sign is a blatant ripoff of the Dos Equis commercials, I have a bit of an issue with the message. I think I understand what the church is trying to say, but I don’t think it’s the best way to say it.
In the Gospels, Jesus speaks about thirst a few times. When he does, he doesn’t tell his audience to stay thirsty. In fact, he says the opposite. In Matthew 5:6, Jesus states that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. In John’s gospel, Jesus invites those who are thirsty to come to him and never thirst again (John 7:37 and 6:35). In John 4:14 he says that those who come to him will not only never thirst again, but that this living water will pour out from them. Doesn’t sound like Jesus expects those who come to him to stay thirsty.
I believe those who put the sign up meant well. There is a sense in which we need to remember that only Jesus can quench our thirst, because there are times we forget and look for other things to satisfy us. Maybe they meant that we must keep coming to Jesus, and not think that a one time experience is enough. If that’s the case, I can agree with that.
Although I still cringe at churches that rip off culture on their signs. 🙂
I totally agree with you, especially since Dos Equis is a great beer! They should go rip off a Corona commercial. I would be ok with that! But seriously, the first thing I thought when I started reading your post was how it always seemed like Jesus was saying "follow me and never thirst again."
Dan
I so agree Fred – Jesus quenches our thirst. He says that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.