A majority of Christians have been playing "house" for a long time. Now, what do I mean by that? I mean, let's all sit comfortably in our comfortable chairs, dress up in costume, say the lines, play the parts, and then we'll go home and get back to "Real Life". This is the culture I grew up in, while many people around me broke that mold there were enough to infect my way of thinking and living. Infected... that's the right word. Poisoned is better.
In other countries we're shot, beheaded, imprisoned, tortured, hunted, mocked, and slandered for simply existing, quietly hiding in rooms and cellars. In America, we're embarrassing... loud, obnoxious, protesting, divided, and false. I understand standing up for our beliefs, but what happened to "11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one."1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 and "4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and then there is "...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" Galatians 5:22b-23
Now, I will never say ALL Christians have run away from these things... but these are the ones on the lips of the public, when Christianity is spoken of in households, and on the street corners.
This is changing though, there is a mummer in the air, and a rumbling in the ground. The Church is getting a jump start, and passionate people are rising up. You won't read it in the news, but you'll hear it on the streets, and in the prayers, and songs. If you listen, if you've been given ears to hear, and eyes that can see. The Spirit has risen up in America, and His power is being poured out.
I have not been the perfect image of Christ, but I want to become as close as I can. I know I'm not alone in this desire, my home church family is full of people striving, and I am hearing the stories as they trickle in from other places around the globe. I'm excited to see what will happen in the next few months, let alone years, God willing I'm here!
Just wanted to share my thoughts :)
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