A temporary? change in direction

I started this blog mostly to provide family pictures and updates to family and friends all over the world. I have avoided any deep conversations. That is what Steve's blog is for. However, it is my birthday and I feel a need to share something on the deeper side. I was in a discussion with a good friend about the body of Christ and denominations. I was explaining to her that our fellowship of believers is a hodgepodge of personalities and beliefs. We don't all believe the same things. I know that is heretical to some. After all, isn't that how churches start? People who all agree on the same things come together and say, "We have it all figured out, now let's invite others and tell them how it is?" I know I am being a little harsh on churches, but isn't that true. Can I become a member of your church if I believe in the rapture? How about if I celebrate Halloween? What if I am a Democrat? What I will try to find is a church that I agree with on most issues that I think are important. The interesting thought I had is - why is that different than any other group in the world? It's not. If there is a group of people that all have trouble with alcohol, an AA group is started. Jesus is not needed to hold that group together. Their common struggles and issues and beliefs hold it together. If there is a group who believe in gay rights- regardless of any other factors, that group can function because of their strong common belief in those rights.

What if a group of people got together and didn't see eye to eye on seemingly big stuff. What if regardless of our agreement, we chose to walk in love. Together. Isn't that how He said they would know we are Christians. It impresses the world to see a group of people walking together, in community, who have such different beliefs. The thing is none of those beliefs are big deals in light of love and Jesus. They just fall to the way side as we love each other.

You and I may read the same verses and you say that Jesus is going to reign on earth and I say he isn't. We both have college degrees and have read the verse in Greek. We have two different interpretations. That's OK. You can vote Democrat and I can vote Republican. You know what? The world is welcome in our gathering. You don't have to agree with me. You are welcome in our fellowship to receive His love and ours. Period. Wish there was more of that in the body.