Humanity in unity…while very separate

– Gay rights / marriage equality

– Abortion

– Legalized marijuana 

– Gun ownership

– War v. Peace

– Immigration

– Super-sizing your Coke

…and the list goes on!

I’m writing this to all Christian believers, but also for all who have seen only judgement, hypocrisy, hate, and separation in those of us who call ourselves Christians.  

For dedicated Christians, the Bible is believed to be the ‘inspired Word of God’ to all of humanity.  That said, we aspire to live our lives according to its guidance.  It’s simply called Faith.

HOWEVER!

The Bible should not (and was not meant to be) a solid brick wall that separates Christians and non-Christians. Quite the opposite.

Lately, the marriage equality symbol (above) has been representing social media profile pics.  Hey….it’s America.  Freedom of speech.  But let us not allow these kinds of statements be something that further separates us as a society.

Will I be taking this symbol as my profile pic? No.  I do not believe that same-sex marriage is God’s intended best for His people.  BUT, I also have no problem simply doing life in general with those who do.  Agreeing to disagree, yet holding polor opposite views on major issues, does not translate to me trying to force my beliefs on anyone.

Even if you don’t believe in any validity in the Bible, I ask that you at least take a look at how it tells us (believers) to posture our lives around everyone.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.   Ephesians 4:31-32

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.    John 15:12

Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall;  don’t be happy when they stumble.   Proverbs 24:17

Never pay back evil with more evil.  Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.   Romans 12:171-8

Three things will last forever — faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.   1 Corinthians 13:13

So, to all the Christians:  It is possible to love and do life with those who share a much different lifestyle than us, while NOT compromising our faith and the standard of living put before us in the Bible.  For Christians to continue separating themselves from the non-believing world around us is to be simply rejecting the scriptures listed above.  We don’t have the privilege of picking and choosing what we like and don’t like in the Bible.  It’s not a social issues buffet!

And to the non-Christian community…I ask this.  Simply do not place all of us (Christians) in one generic category of legalistic, hyper-religious preachers.  Try entering into discussion on these topics with us.  Attempt doing life side by side with us.  Some may pleasantly suprise you!

Comments are welcome!

“I want my nap!”

photo by: ©iStockphoto.com/sturti

“I need a nap more than my workout today.”

Translated…”I want a nap more than anything else right now!”  (said with an ever so slight whine)

This was my Friday afternoon.  A 6:30 am meeting at work began my day, followed by a full day of work and running errands around town.  By 2:30, I had hit that ‘brick wall’ and my brain literally began to shut down.  So, I told my wife that I’d probably not go to the gym with her and grab me a nap instead.  Understand, we have been working out together 6 days a week since the first of January (2013).  She didn’t really give me a choice.  She said, “Oh, no…you’re going to workout today.  And you’ll thank me later.”

Well, I went.  I exercised.  And I did not get my nap.

BUT…

…I did thank my wife!

Afterward, I felt a new energy and alertness.  I was so glad she challenged me.

There is a lot to be said for having accountability built in to our life.  Even if it takes someone you love telling you that your priorities are unaligned.

So encourage each other and build each other up…    1 Thessalonians 5:11a

Question:  What priorities of yours are out of order?  Or…who do you need to encourage to stay on track today?