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.
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.
posted by Jill at 11:51 PM
6 Comments:
I for one am glad to see this venture. There is much good fruit to be savored from your doing this.
You bring so much to the table. So much that many of us are not, but which nourishes us.
Oh sister, Amen. I am such a strange bird, there really is very little place where I fit in. I think some really wild stuff. Church usually just winds up making me feel like a freak. Sorry, am not willing to completely anihilate what I was created to be so that you can feel all sorts of warm and comfy by the presense I bring to the table. I don't have a good pot luck recipe. Get your freaking cookie cutter off me and let me be myself.
What you are talking about that you have...I really wish I had a place like that to go and be. The best thing I can think to do is make that place in my heart and invite people to come be in it. I really AM pretty crazy, but I am pretty sure I can manage agape. Anyhow awesome post. I just love ya! You are totally awesome and definitely on God's favorite list as well!!!
Wow. What encouragement from you both. Thank you. I may try doing this again sometime.
Jill
I don't quite know how to put this into words, but I will try. The spirit of Christ is something so real and perceivable in you that even though you don't say a lot and that I don't know you very well, I get such a sense of peace and love when you speak. Sometimes, if I am having a bad day and I feel really like the world kicked my behind, I just read one of your comments and I feel like Jesus showed up. So I am really quite anxious to hear more about your walk with him.
Wow. I don't know what to say. There are times that words just don't work for me. This is one of those.
Yo, I'm just getting you back, sister. You mess me up like every time you say something. I'm so glad for the chance to render you speachless for a change. It's due.
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