Monday rambles ... sorry.

-

This blog is going to be about questions. And I'll start with this one:

Why do we do such a poor job of representing what "Christian" looks like in this North American world? I feel like here (maybe I speak specifically of Southern California, or maybe the US), the word stands for people who are self-righteousness, judgmental, greedy, moronic and close-minded. It seems it has nothing to do with what it should be.

The biblical definition is one of self-less-ness, acceptance, compassion, graciousness, humility, faithfulness and ofcourse love. How is it that we have somehow skewed this SO much that when the world thinks Christian, they see the opposite? When, how and why does this shift take place? And can we shift it back?

It makes me frustrated because sometimes I look at "the church" (general term used here) full of "Christians" and I COMPLETELY see what the world sees. And I serve and work in one! It scares me to be quite frank.

The responsibility to live as Christ did, and follow Him to my utmost begins and ends with me, and you, if you choose to accept. There is nothing huge that I can do to show this world what a real faithful relationship with God looks like, except to live it to my best, and know that I will fail. To be transparent and honest with everything. Why is it so hard for us to do this?

When it comes down to it in the end -- we will all answer to the Lord, and we will have spent our whole, short lives either accepting his Truth (whether we realized it or not) or rejecting Him, and what we will do in the end, is up to our hearts.

But to continue to show love and oppose the worlds standards of life (selfish gain, vanity, corruption, pride and greed, malice) with what is honorable and true, light and real life. It is all I can do.

For light is the most beautiful when it breaks the darkness into dawn. I want to live like that. In the church, AND out of it.

Lord show me how.

Till next blog,
love, a.

Comments

Melissa Campbell said…
"light is the most beautiful when it breaks the darkness into dawn" - I agree, and have been watching the sun rising here in PA, and thinking about the glory of the Lord rising upon His bride when all is dark around us.

I also agree with your observation of much of western Christianity. We need to go back to the simplicity, love and power of Jesus. I see God drawing hearts to Him, building a church that won't be contained within walls and who won't choose their own comfort and what they have known (religious tradition, ways of the world, etc.) over love and obedience to Christ.

I appreciate the purity of your heart. Keep shining the light!
12/06/2010 2:21 PM
Mommy Emily said…
amen, dear amy! amen. i see this all the time, and it hurts and scares me. but we just have to keep emulating the truth, seeking the kingdom. if we start to judge then we'll become bitter and corrupt too. love you hon. xoxo
12/06/2010 7:56 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

If I ever wondered if HE loved me

-
Image
So, I'm going to admit how pathetic and "of little faith" I can be with this post. Of course, there needs to be a bit of prelude-type explanation. On Nov. 20th my husband and I will celebrate a special anniversary -- 4 years since leaving our home -- the only one we've known in Sherwood Park, Canada -- and driving, with only our car, clothes and guitars across the border and down, down, down to San Diego, California. (that's 1751 miles south) Our reason for the move was to pursue our music, our mission and our dreams and just a new life, pioneers of sorts. It would take me many blogs to say how many times God has shown me his love through the whole process, from easy stops at border crossings, to precisely timed Visa interviews, to lenient border guards, to miracles in paperwork and finding jobs, it is astounding how He has continually provided for us, and continually strengthens my faith through circumstance. So, enter here and now, almost 4 years later after V...
Read more

Hope and Beyond

-
Image
There has been a lot of emotion for me the last couple days ~ it's hard to describe to someone who doesn't understand. After finding out that my dad that I've never known, is alive and has been looking for me, and after being found by a half sister -- worlds just are not the same.  The very person who's lack of presence has had a mighty hand in shaping the person that I am, is now is this strange half-shadow that is almost within reach, but still not accessible. My heart wants to scream sometimes (a messy mixture of fear, frustration and joy) but I know that I need to give him the space that he needs.  It's all so very messy this life, this love.  God has been the only father's love I have known -- but as I believe that God is creating great healing and restoration to my dad's soul and mine as well. I described this way to a good friend of mine: It's like your life is this little house, with all these windows letting in light, and you know these w...
Read more
-
Image
Today I have a bad attitude. It's not even like I have a really good excuse, in fact they are pretty pitiful but I'll share. I have this pretty uncanny ability to wake up RIGHT at my alarm ... I'm not talking in the general vicinity of when it goes off, by 5 or 10 mins ... this morning, I literally woke up walked to my phone and my alarm went off, that's like 30 seconds early. So, you would think the morning is off to a good start. I worked out and thought about sitting on my couch with my warm and fuzzy latte in hand and got to the fridge, only to realize that my darling husband had used all the milk. This is not a big deal (or it shouldn't be) but we actually really had no real food anyways, no eggs, not even a bun or toast, so my breakfast hiatus from my day was thwarted. Never fear, I can get food at work - no biggie. So, work is work. I drive, I arrive. It's corporate, and now, thanks to our inter-office move, ridiculously quiet. And it's good, none ...
Read more