It has been a long time since I have written, but here today I have something good for you who took a shot at seeing what I have written lately. Thanks for stopping in!
I will be honest with you, what I am writing about today I am not an expert at. I am writing about it because I am learning about it, and because I don't think the teachings in Christianity generally give it justice. I think this particular subject could help a lot of people, so here goes....
I think much of what passes for church these days is a far cry from what we were really called to. Christianity is supposed to be about helping one another, and yet we seem to suffer alone more than reach out for help. The truth is plain to me- we need each other. We need to be vulnerable to each other and to God. We need to bond with others in order to survive. Truth is, as human beings we all have pain, although in varying amounts. We all need encouragement. We all need to know that we aren't alone in this struggle that we call life. Without each other, we are doomed to isolation and victims of illusions. Without learning to depend on others and on God, and also allowing ourselves to be depended on by others, we are trapped with little hope of escaping. We were meant to have meaningful interactions and conversations with God and others on a daily basis. Please- I plead with you- allow yourself to be vulnerable with a friend. Next time you feel lousy, instead of reaching for the remote, or the internet, or sex, or whatever your drug of choice is, reach out to God and to others for meeting your needs. Pray, and seek his face. Listen, and see what God is saying. Let someone share your burden. They say no man is an island, so why do we live like we are?
I think the best is yet to come for you. Don't give up on meaningful human and divine interaction. I believe the best for your life is yet to come, but we can't make it alone...
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4 comments:
Sean,
You have a very interesting perspective in your post, but I wonder, is it Christian? I have seen so much today where our philosophy taints what the pure milk of the word. Is it possible for you to support you post with scripture? I won't deny that a carnal understanding of the Christian life leaves us all in need of support, but isn't there more? Where are those today who have the life of God more abundantly, those from whom flow the Spirit? Where are those whose joy is made full? There is a passage in the book of acts that talks about the Apostles turning the world upside down. Where are those people today? The bible asks the question, when Christ comes again, will he find faith on the earth? Will he find it in you?
Okay, you want scriptural support- look at the garden of gethsemane. In this moment Jesus- the author and perfector of our faith, the alpha and omega, even he needed the support of others in his time of need.
I think I would also respond with this question. What is in you that is resistant to being supported by fellow believers? God should be our main support, true, but I do not see the function of the church clearly if not to help out in the supporting role. Isn't that why Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs? Isn't that why we aren't supposed to forsake the fellowship of the bretheren? Come on now. The truth is, we tend to isolate ourselves from other believers, which produces illusions. Without help, encouragement, and living relationally with other believers we will tend to believe we stand in one place with God, when really we stand somewhere else? I am all for having a deep relationship with God. That is part of interdependence- depending on God. Too many people aren't doing either. However, just depending on God can be dangerous as well- we can easily fool ourselves about our position with God when others don't have access to our lives. Stuff to think about...
Oh and Ryan, if that is you, just email me. If it isn't you, it sure looks a lot like your writing...
And yes, he will find faith in me- that I am sure of. =)
Listen, questioningacquaintance- if you are too big a coward that you can't admit or deny that you are Ryan Gallivan, I am not going to post any more of your comments. If you are an acquaintance, then tell me who you are. Anonymously arguing with me will not be tolerated.
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