Do you only talk or listen to people who are of your same opinion? Do you only read authors who are of your own belief system? Do you only follow or retweet those who are just like you or of the same theological mindset as you? I follow those on twitter who I don't necessarily agree with theologically on every single issue. And yes, I may retweet something that person says if I do happen to agree. Sorry, if that makes some uncomfortable. I read some authors who may write something that I disagree with but there's many things they say that we would agree on. I love talking to those who have a different background than I do. I think those things tend to stretch us as well as increase our awareness of the importance of discernment. It keeps my red flags on high alert.
I love different. How boring life would be if we were all the same with the same opinions. I know some only want to hang with those who are like them and I can't help but think how boring the conversations must be. I love churches who do things differently than us. For so many that serves as ammunition to criticize but it tells me that God is so much bigger than we are and He refuses to be put into a tidy package that we can wrap our mind around.
I read this morning on twitter that someone thinks the church is no more than a social club. Could that be because so many churches are filled with those who all look the same, act the same, have the same opinion and mindset? We tend to want to be around those just like us and so we take on the look of a club where people are afraid to be different.
Ephesians 2 speaks to the fact that we have built up barriers and created dividing walls but Christ came to tear those down. Who are we to build them back up? The Holy Spirit leads us to look beyond barriers. We are to be one family. We are one kingdom under Christ not many mini kingdoms. Satan loves to use barriers such as age, appearance, intelligence, politics, economic status, race, theological perspective to divide people and make us ineffective. One of the best ways to stifle Christ's love is to be friendly with only those people that we like or are like us. We keep Satan happy when instead of penetrating darkness, we take on a social club mindset, concerned with our own preferences. I'm hearing and seeing more and more that people are fed up with churches fighting and struggling for power. People are looking for a place they feel loved and accepted. They want a place where they can serve and make a difference. I have a feeling that we would be much more effective if we would allow God to daily break down barriers that we have built up, step outside of our comfort zone and embrace people where they are even if they're not just like us. I love looking around our church on Sunday and seeing differences. I hear people talk about feeling welcome. I talk to people who feel a sense of belonging. Oh for more of that. I love how all summer we've witnessed our college students and young adults bringing their friends to bible study. They have bought in to investing in people and inviting them to come be a part. I'm so excited about what God is doing at this time in history. This is our time. Praying that we make the most of it. Praying we make every day count for Him. Praying that we see others through His eyes. Praying we are quick to show grace. Praying we are slow to judge and criticize. Praying we embrace every opportunity to talk Jesus because we may only cross paths with that person once.
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