I am finding more and more that I don't fit in most "fundagelical" circles. So many conversations seem to be foreign to me, way outside of my line of thinking. Maybe it's because I don't watch FOX news, or listen to conservative talk radio, I don't know. But it is a little disconcerting to me, not having a "group" to call my own, and being without the comfort and security that group mentality provides. I notice a lot of "us" and "them" language within Christian circles. It seems like the "us" people are the ones within our group (and assuming we all think exactly alike), the "them" people...well, obviously they are the "outsiders", you know, "those people" with whom we don't have relationship...homeless, addicted, drunken, gay and tattooed people all fall into the "them" category. Oh, and democrats. Let's not forget that they are definitely "outsiders" too, in most Christian circles.
You have probably heard the expression "I'm calling you out" meaning, I am going to address your BS when I see it. Lately, God has been calling me out. He has called me to step back a little and examine the current group thinking (or should I say theology), and to sit with Him one on one, asking Him what He thinks, what He finds important, and what is on His heart. It is more difficult than it might seem, not jumping on the next bandwagon, but seeking God before I give an "amen" to any group conclusions. I think I have often jumped into causes and opinions that are popular with the group just for the sake of not feeling an outcast. Ah, the blessed security of group mentality! The lines are drawn, the preferences are made clear, but at what cost? Is this the life Jesus exampled for us?
At any rate, I am currently in a somewhat lonely place...lonely for the fellowship of other humans in a shared experience...lonely in the ways that any outsider experiences loneliness. Which could ultimately be the purpose for this season. If I can somehow grasp the feeling of loneliness within the "outsiders", maybe I will grow in compassion, grow in love, and grow in grace towards those who are different from me. Hmmm, sounds like that might be a God thing. And through it all, I take great comfort in knowing I am never truly alone.
You have probably heard the expression "I'm calling you out" meaning, I am going to address your BS when I see it. Lately, God has been calling me out. He has called me to step back a little and examine the current group thinking (or should I say theology), and to sit with Him one on one, asking Him what He thinks, what He finds important, and what is on His heart. It is more difficult than it might seem, not jumping on the next bandwagon, but seeking God before I give an "amen" to any group conclusions. I think I have often jumped into causes and opinions that are popular with the group just for the sake of not feeling an outcast. Ah, the blessed security of group mentality! The lines are drawn, the preferences are made clear, but at what cost? Is this the life Jesus exampled for us?
At any rate, I am currently in a somewhat lonely place...lonely for the fellowship of other humans in a shared experience...lonely in the ways that any outsider experiences loneliness. Which could ultimately be the purpose for this season. If I can somehow grasp the feeling of loneliness within the "outsiders", maybe I will grow in compassion, grow in love, and grow in grace towards those who are different from me. Hmmm, sounds like that might be a God thing. And through it all, I take great comfort in knowing I am never truly alone.
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