Over time, I have witnessed several instances in which an outstanding sermon or other Christian event has just transpired and not two minutes after people come out it's like, did they just hear anything at all. It irritates the heck out of me. As Bree would say, I am very sensitive to people just kinda-sorta being into this Jesus stuff. If it wasn't for her, there are times when I would just chuck the whole church thing and not be bothered by these one or two people who make it difficult and discouraging to go.
Can't do that, though. I've got to stick it out. There is a purpose for ol' fat Tom and it's probably right there in front of me but I haven't grabbed it by the neck and wrangled it in just yet. Got to keep on movin', don't stop. (Hey, Bree borrowed a SoulIISoul lyric a few days ago on a tweet and I'm using one now.) Why?
Well, first off, I have two kids, Drew and Lydia. If I chuck it, they won't be going either. As much, anyway. I'm sure Bree would do her best to get 'em to go, but eventually it would come down to, "Hey, Dad's not going. Why should I?" We don't ever want to diminish what church is in their eyes. We have to bring 'em up right, y'know?
Second, I want to be that shining light to people who are a bit skeptical of the whole God-Jesus-church thing. I want to be a friend to the undesireable ( of which I am one). People who just tend to ignore the spike-haired, the punk rocker, the pierced, the tattoed, the whatever will not be ignored by me. Everyone deserves the Christ experience and we have got to be vigilant and be strong for all people, not just the desirable (whatever that is).
Third, I want to be part of a crowd who is with me in this. Can't do this by sitting it out. The more we have fighting for the undesireable to get to know their Savior, the better. I know several of you guys and ladies are with me on this.
I guess the bottom line is this--we have got to get serious and be on the same page with Jesus stuff. If you don't agree, just go away, because you are a hindrance. Better yet, reflect on it and figure out what to do to get your heart in the right place and tackle what we all want to do, be a part of the Great Commission.
Love you all!!!
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14 years ago
that's a good word, Tom. And I like your points. I would add to it, as one who brings the word to people, I have come to realize different people process things different ways. It's kind like worship - we don't all process our worship the same. Just cause someone doesn't react to worship like I do doesn't mean they didn't worship, it means we're wired differently.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, YES, we HAVE got to get serious and on the same page. I just have to continually check myself to make sure I want people on HIS page, not mine.
Love you. Glad you're writing again - and again, good post.