Christlike vs cliquey

A very important aspect of church life involves the relationships you should be building with one another. The best way to create meaningful relationships is to be active in each other's lives outside of the bricks and mortar. Why then do we as people tend to fall into the old high school habit of cliques? The bible speaks to us against such behaviors throughout the bible. I am only going to list a small portion of bible verses regarding this subject otherwise this would be an extremely long blog post. First let us look at what the gospel of John says. John 15:12-15 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." This particular scripture is two fold. First, it offers the readers the notion that we should show other people the same love that Christ has shown us. The second is this, That because we are Christ's children if we are striving to be Christlike we are friends of Jesus. This also reveals to us that because of our friendship with Jesus we are blessed with the knowledge and understanding of his teachings. True friends share their hopes, dreams, emotions, accomplishments, and let downs. We can be great or ugly and our true friends won't be negatively affected by such attitudes. Why then do cliques show up amongst a people who are supposed to be dedicated to loving one anther, therefore being Christlike, translating into being friendly to those who are in a congregation of believers with each other? How then could we be so self absorbed? Here is the definition of the word clique, noun 1. a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them. If this is the truest definition why do churches so easily fall into this problem? The way to change is to heed the scriptures in Colossians 3:12-14 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. TO me this verse implies that our ONLY common bond in the church is Salvation and love. If we're all operating as persons who have been renewed through salvation, our connection is Christ. Why must we separate within our own congregations based on where we live, our social status, where we went to high school, past churches, or old friends? Am I saying that people can't have somebody they're closer to than another within the church body? Not really, that's not the point. It's more about the exclusion of an individual who may just need a friend, an introverted person who can't just talk over everybody. Maybe it's a family that is extremely busy and just needs to know they're loved. Retention in churches happens through the gospel, love, and respect. My challenge to you is represented in Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor. This should be our competition. Those that aren't attending churches in today's culture should see us living out these scriptures. This is what should set us apart 1 Peter 2:1-5 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Let's show the love that Christ shows us to our fellow believers and unbelievers alike. Let's stop separating ourselves over trivial matters that will fade and change. Let's stop our churches from being the "bless me clubs" that pat each other on the back just for showing up. Let's reach out to that person who has been showing up for weeks and leaves with nobody speaking to them. Let's invite that new couple out to lunch after service. Let's take the time to get to know the people that God has clearly put into our lives. We are rejected by the world's standards because of our belief in God. Why then should we separate ourselves into cliques and reject each other?

We don't all feel the same about the bible.

**I wrote this after the earthquake in Haiti as a response to Pat Robertson's harsh message to the people who resided there on Thursday January 14, 2010** I keep hearing the same comments coming out of the mouths of EXTREME conservatives. Many believe the statements that Mr Pat Robertson makes and follow them to the letter. I however do NOT. God's word is NOT a book full of judgement and wrath. Yes, while that is definitely a part of the scriptures that is NOT the entirety of the scriptures nor is it the entirety of the belief structure of the Christian church. Stating that the earthquake's blame should rest on the Haitian people for once making a “pact to the devil” Here is a link with a clip of what he said http://thinkprogress.org/2010/01/13/robertson-haiti/ Am I saying that GOD LOVES our sins? NO. Am I saying that we shouldn't hold people accoutable for their actions? NO. The Bible itself says this for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. " Matthew 5:45 What do you mean? Is this really saying that bad things happen to EVERYBODY? Does this mean that people who serve God will face calamity at different times in their lives? Absolutely, without a doubt. We are to trust that GOD loves us and his Grace is sufficient for us. Finger wagging and blame shifting aren't a part of God's plan for our lives. These things are NOT fruitful. According to the Christian bible in Galations 5:22-26 here are the things we should show as fruit of our spirit. That is to say the product of our faith and salvation. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. The bible continues to speak of how we should react in Galations 6:1-5 1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass (sin), you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. SO you see Mr Pat Robertson you're approaching this with the wrong spirit. Seeing yourself higher than these in Haiti or around the world whenever a disaster occurs. Sadly this is not the first time you've stated such loaded comments. The worst part is the world sees you as a representative of the Christian Church. I am here to say that I am a Christian and I do NOT agree with your words. Many Christians do NOT agree with your words. Many scriptures in the bible can't even back up your words. To state what God is doing through your perception is putting words into the mouth of the almighty. NOT something I would play around with if I were you sir.

Who are we?

Our family has had an interesting week. We received a call on Saturday, the day before Mother's Day, letting us know that our Grandma had passed during the night. Her pleas to go be with the Lord God were answered. In the days following we all, at some point thought about our Grandma and who she was. Laughing at some of the crazier moments and reflecting some that were more serious. One thing that was made abundantly clear as many of the family members spoke with the pastor yesterday, was that her faith, prayers, and relationship with GOD were a big part of her life. The way people were speaking however, prompted me to begin thinking. With so many saying what an amazing Christian she was, it sounded as though people thought they themselves could never achieve such a close relationship with God. Her devotion to God was inspiring, her love for learning the word was amazing. She gave some good advice at a time when I needed it most. She was tough but fair, God made her that way. God was the author and finisher of her faith, For herself, her husband, her kids, and her legacy. One thing is for sure though, I know I serve the same God she did. I also know that God's word says that he doesn't respect people. {Acts 10:34-38 34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.} God uses who he wills for what he wants. We need to remember, if she was so great and wonderfully used by God, we also can be great and wonderfully used by God. Because God is faithful and just her legacy will continue in those that God chooses. We will act out our faith and work through our salvation until we too pass from this world into the hereafter. Not JUST because of Clela M. Clark, but because we serve an amazing God who loved us enough to send his son to die for the remission of our sins.

What do you believe.

If you've followed this blog for any length of time, you've seen me write about legalism and the pitfalls that it can create. Does this mean you should just throw caution to the wind and do whatever you feel like doing then ask God's forgiveness later? Some would say, "yes". These opinions I hold come from experience and what knowledge I've gained of biblical principles over the years. One major pitfall I've seen in my lifetime is the lack of teaching in the church, and at home. Parents think the little cherubs they're raising will learn it from the church, and the church thinks the little ones will learn it from their parents. Whose responsibility is it? After seeing how I grew up and raising children of my own I'd say both. Why? Because a parent can "preach" the same thing over and over with it falling on the seemingly deaf ears of their children. The church can repeat these same principles over and over but if it is not reinforced or lived out at home it seems like useless chatter. As my kiddos have gotten older, when the pastor states something during, church service that I've said at home, their eyes get big and they look right at me. The look often says to me, "Wow Mom, you weren't making that up". I am sure by now you're asking, "What does all of this have to do with legalism"? One of the things I learned very little about growing up in a denominational church was why the church believed what they said they believed. I remember, as an early teen, our pastor took over the youth group for a while (usually it was a willing parent). I was excited because I had so many questions that I wanted answered. Instead of getting a proper catechism {(definition) A summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of Christians} we got a list of things our church thought were valid "do not's". Some of these well meaning "warning" by laws made it seem that being a faithful follower was an impossible achievement. In doing so, I felt that I could NEVER see Heaven. This is when the catechism information would have come in handy. A list of scripture references backing up the idea that a relationship with Christ is an ongoing process would have been encouraging. I, instead, was left feeling like God could never love a person like me. Knowing such things just led me to see the people in that congregation as being hypocrites. As I have grown up I have been blessed to recognize the gift of discernment. This gift of God has allowed me to work through such issues as I have gotten older. It is definitely a good thing with regards to how my kids are growing, and maturing. Do I feel that you shouldn't have "rules"? No, I am saying however, that you should have good solid bible backed reasons for creating those rules. Back them with multiple scriptures and make sure that it's truly following the reasons you believe something. Let's lift our children up instead of tear them down, build on the positive and gently remind them of the negative. Much the way Christ deals with us as adults. We should also be able to show this same mercy and discretion towards our fellow man, treating people with kindness as Christ did when he walked this earth.

Are we living a life of Christ?

Godly living doesn't mean that we simply have our God checklist: I prayed this morning, I didn't get drunk today, I don't smoke, I haven't cussed, I read my bible every day, and I go to church. It also refers to how we treat people, believers and unbelievers. How is Christ revealed in our lives? In what ways do we represent our savior in this world? I think it is more import to be a representative of Christ's attitude, Love, and honesty. Not just taking the time to talk it,but to truly live it; be kind, loving, gentle, meek, and patient. It's not our place to beat people with the bible, or choke them with our beliefs. An excellent example of this is when Jesus speaks with the woman at the well. He spoke with the woman, he spoke gently, he did bring up her present and past. He did address her sins, BUT he did this coming from a place of discernment instead of a place of judgement. That conversation changed her, and the lives of others forever. If we drop the legalism, the judgement, and the show, we can make a change, become organic. We can see God working with utmost power in our lives when we realize that we're not as important as he is We must die to ourselves and let him be in complete control. This allows the spirit to move freely in the lives of others as they witness our daily routine. Let the truth of God be seen and made real in our lives. Let the love of God be seen in our actions, words, and deeds. We need to live the life and not just talk about it. Become the living word of God in the world. Show love, be love and be gentle.

Days gone by

I was cleaning a few weeks ago and came across a notebook from years ago. Some of the pages held old notes I had written while listening to sermons at church, two of the pages held designs for a wedding I never had (don't feel bad, we're all better off with who we have), prayers from my heart, a short story, and a poetic "song" of sorts. I have decided to share these words with all of you. Keep in mind, I was single and had just been through a lot. . . Song: I am lying wasted in the pools of despair, shackled by the confines of a world gone wrong. Oh, come and rescue me from the pit so dark and cold. Lift me from the prisons of my mind. Give me some hope on which to hold. Broken and bruised a mere shell that used to have a life of promise and success. - - - Raise me from the shadows in the spaces that light has never seen. I see visions of people dancing on the water and swimming in the fountain of youth. - - - Fragmented moments laid to ruin by choices made without thought. Souls lying dormant and stale unable to feel the chaos that is around them. People seeking serenity in a lifeless dungeon without refuge in sight. Savages removing the last bit of light left in my eyes to make way for a sea of glazed distance. - - - Raise me from the shadows in the spaces that light has never seen. I see visions of people dancing on the water and swimming in the fountain of youth. - - - Faint from the pain of loneliness and loss I am flat on my back. It's getting colder and I can no longer scream. Out of the cold and quiet darkness there is movement. You pick me up as I began what seemed to be my final breath. As I was being lifted, the shadows became faces, the darkness became light. Then I saw clearly. - - - I was raised from the shadows in the spaces that light has never seen. I was dancing with the people on the water and refreshed as I swam in the fountain of youth. Short story: Springtime air rising from the shadows of the trees. Songbirds are welcoming this new and glorious day. How do we as people overlook these things? I am reminded of the finest lesson I have ever learned. I learned this lesson in a most unusual way, and I learned it from a man I never met. Every day I would pass through a small town on my way into the city. I would always drive too fast and let my mind wander. Always trying to plan my day to eliminate surprises. Weeks went by like this. One day I passed an elderly man riding a three wheeled bicycle. I nodded and waved at the gentleman. I noticed his ashen face light up as he raised a wrinkled hand and waved back at me. The next day I saw the same man, riding the same bike. We again greeted each other in the same polite fashion as the day previous. Weeks went by with the same cheerful greeting. After a while I realized something. I realized that I must have been passing this man for many weeks without ever noticing him. Without so much as a glance. Not seeing his soft eyes, or his welcoming smile. How could I have turned this sweet man into a faceless shadow for so many weeks? How do we as people take all of our blessings for granted? If we could just slow down for a moment and smile at somebody we may find our lives a little more rewarding. Not just that but we can also touch others in ways that we may never understand.

Would you wash his feet?

Humility is one of those attributes that can be difficult to understand and even more difficult to possess. One of the definitions I found for the word humble was, "down to earth". The Origins of the word were equally interesting, akin to Greek chthōn earth, chamai on the ground. This is one of those qualities that we should hold with high esteem. If we do not see it in ourselves we should see it in others around us. As a young teen I always thought being humble meant that I shouldn't see anything good about myself. I would talk about being ugly, fat, or stupid. In my naivety I offered these statements in hopes that people would see me as humble. God speaks of humility in the bible. Often stating that the humble will receive something, and if they are being proud God will humble them. How can we be properly humble? First off, we should not be so prideful. Thinking you're too good for something or above something is the enemy of humility. Selfishness doesn't lend itself to learning humility either. Biblically speaking there is a lot of blessings from God we miss out on when we are not being humble. How then can we be humble? Seek others above yourself. If you're married a great way to demonstrate this is to wash your husband's or wife's feet, give them a pedicure. Get close to that earth, if you will. God shows much compassion toward the humble in spirit. Are you less than? No! You're simply putting another person's thoughts, feelings, and well being ahead of yours. Try it and see the peace that you feel in your heart. Once you experience this you will never turn back.