One of my gifts as a writer is being to identify what is wrong. Unfortunately, it is a common gift. Most people need very little prompting to complain because it is vastly more difficult to suggest a positive way forward and become part of the solution.
It is time for me to make a course correction.
I have spent several years writing about how Christianity has become unlike Christ, how tribalism is diminishing the greatness of our country and destroying relationships, how people have been ignored or hurt by the very institutions that were birthed to assist them, and how individuals, especially those who don’t fit into some neat little slot are disrespected.
These are legitimate observations, but they don’t make anything better. While identifying the problem is the first step in coming up with solutions, it is only the beginning, not the end.
So, I am going to focus on what a real faith in Christ looks like and how we can build bridges with people who are in some ways unlike us and see things from a different perspective.
I would love to hear your response about this new direction and any ideas you have.
I think this is a great idea. For far to long those outside the walls of religion have only heard what christians are against. They see judgment and condemnation toward those who see things differently, and they see arguing among those of us who are supposed to be known for our love. I fully support your goal of showing how true followers of Jesus should act and live. Our purpose is to love God and show love to all people.
Sometimes I just can’t think of an appropriate reply, other than “Amen.” It’s good to know we are together in what was our search and is now our mission is spreading an authentic faith in Christ.
Thanks Glenn. If there is anything we can do together to further this let me know.
Will do!
Well, if we look at Jesus Christ as the model, we realize we can’t do it all. That is where the Holy Spirit comes in. Only through his direction and strength can we do anything worthwhile.
Jesus served others all the time. But he had boundaries. He didn’t serve everyone all the time.
Jesus was humble putting others first. But he did take time away from “everyone” to pour into his apostles alone. And he took time away by and for himself to recharge with his Father.
We can’t just join some organization that does what we like. If we are not doing as the Holy Spirit directs for our individual lives, the work we do is as nothing to God. Even these good works will be burned in the fire because we are not obeying. Obeying is the first and most critical step. And if we can’t obey in the little things, God won’t give us anything bigger. see Matt 25:14-29, 1Cor 3:10-15, Mark 12:28-34
Jeanne – You meld together two important perspectives, Holy Spirit empowerment and boundaries, or his direction. Nice to hear from you!