A simple explanation for why I haven't been around more: I'm training. For me, training is a huge undertaking, as I'm not in great shape to start with. This week it was about 15 hours: 30 miles of walking, plus weights, bike and stairmaster. I am not looking for kudos for that, my point is, this time takes me away from other things I should be doing. The other really interesting side effect, as I'm into week 4 of this routine, is I have an abundance of energy many days. This means when I'm home, I feel rather disinclined to sit and read blogs and write. In fact, I can't sit still some days...so many other neglected things are getting done around here...but the blog...not so much.
In my last post we discussed labels. Or, more specifically, the label of Christian. My friend Gary has been addressing this recently; the question of whether or not we ought to retain the label of Christian, even with its resident baggage. As well there is a post I found through a FB update by Jim Palmer, addressing the issue of the "Christian" label from another angle. Nicole got in on this topic, and Jeff has written about it several times recently. Apparently this is something many people have on their minds.
The big question: To be or not to be...a 'Christian', that is.
In my last post, Jon said,
In one of his posts, Gary says,
Not to suggest that we go around announcing our faith to anyone who will hear it, but as an argument point: if I identify myself as Christian and someone who does not know me chooses not to know me for simply that reason, whose responsibility is that. Really? Likewise, if I identify myself as Christian, and someone who doesn't know me chooses to get to know me, they will find by my attitude and actions just what "kind" of Christian I really am. I am not self-righteous, judgemental, critical, bible-beating. I simply follow Jesus' mandate to LOVE.
This realization was intense and profound to me, deeply changing the way I see myself and my chosen faith persuasion. If I choose to apply a label because it reflects what is resounding in my own soul, I can embrace it because it is uniquely mine. In the pit of my soul, the word 'Christian' means I have chosen to seek Jesus as my way. Nothing more, no additives, no preservatives. Unadulterated Jesus.
And I leave you with this little tidbit of wisdom, from "Break it Down Again" by Tears for Fears:
Promise of a New Day I
Promise of a New Day II
Promise of a New Day III
Promise of a New Day IV
Promise of New Day V
Promise of a New Day: Epilogue
In my last post we discussed labels. Or, more specifically, the label of Christian. My friend Gary has been addressing this recently; the question of whether or not we ought to retain the label of Christian, even with its resident baggage. As well there is a post I found through a FB update by Jim Palmer, addressing the issue of the "Christian" label from another angle. Nicole got in on this topic, and Jeff has written about it several times recently. Apparently this is something many people have on their minds.
The big question: To be or not to be...a 'Christian', that is.
In my last post, Jon said,
"it is not so much what [the label of 'Christian'] does to YOU that is the problem, it is what it does to the "hearer" of the label and all the assumptions about you that get heaped on once the word is uttered."Over the last few years I have come to generally reject the label of 'Christian' for all it's negative connotations that are impossible to avoid. However, when reading one of Gary's posts, it occurred to me that maybe the problem is more simply resolved than trying to create a new label that I feel accurately represents my faith. Instead, I wonder if it only matters from what angle we are looking at the label.
In one of his posts, Gary says,
"I am looking at trying to define who I am primarily for my own internal orientation, a point of reference. I am not trying to adopt a label off the shelf and make it mine. I am trying to take a shopworn label and apply my own meaning to it for my own reference."I think maybe the definition of the label 'Christian' must arise from some internal orientation, rather than an external expectations. Maybe Christians' collective problems with others' practice of the Christian faith comes from the refusal to accept that our angle on faith is internally driven, that each of us is called to a different place in the faith from the Spirit within, and we ought to prize our own place more than we worry about someone else's place being different than ours. Likewise, maybe those who make assumptions about Christians from outside the faith need to realize that 'Christian' is a broad term, with many possible variations.
Not to suggest that we go around announcing our faith to anyone who will hear it, but as an argument point: if I identify myself as Christian and someone who does not know me chooses not to know me for simply that reason, whose responsibility is that. Really? Likewise, if I identify myself as Christian, and someone who doesn't know me chooses to get to know me, they will find by my attitude and actions just what "kind" of Christian I really am. I am not self-righteous, judgemental, critical, bible-beating. I simply follow Jesus' mandate to LOVE.
This realization was intense and profound to me, deeply changing the way I see myself and my chosen faith persuasion. If I choose to apply a label because it reflects what is resounding in my own soul, I can embrace it because it is uniquely mine. In the pit of my soul, the word 'Christian' means I have chosen to seek Jesus as my way. Nothing more, no additives, no preservatives. Unadulterated Jesus.
And I leave you with this little tidbit of wisdom, from "Break it Down Again" by Tears for Fears:
"When it's all mixed upTo be continued...
Better break it down
In the world of silence
In the world of sound
"It's in the way you're always hiding from the light
Fast off to heaven just like moses on a motorbike
No revolution
Maybe someone somewhere else
Could show you something new to help you with the ups and downs
I want to break it down
Break it down again
Promise of a New Day I
Promise of a New Day II
Promise of a New Day III
Promise of a New Day IV
Promise of New Day V
Promise of a New Day: Epilogue
10 comments:
Extra energy, having to be disciplined to sit down to write because you've got so much energy?
Oh, wow, that's fantastic :) I really need to get out and exercise more. It's so difficult to get going.
I guess it doesn't really matter what label we have, people are going to judge and categorise and box if they can't be bothered getting to know us. It's a hard one to cope with (especially in our world, where there seems to be so many people who are overdependent on the opinions of others for their own identity, and I include myself in some instances in that summation).
True freedom is being able to be misjudged without it fluffing your feathers too much, huh.
Good stuff erin as per usual :) I think getting down to the root wanting to love and finding how often we struggle to love is a huge thing in itself. I find it very ironic Jesus declared that He came with a new commandment- *love one another* Humanity existed for how long before His public appearance and He says loving eacxh other is new?? Adam and eve, cain and abel show we have had a hard time loving from the very beginning.Your post just stirred my thinking along these lines, how we can cut to the chase and just choose to love moment by moment??? I think grace and forgiveness are closely related in Gods character just because He knows all too well how badly we need both, messed up humans that we are. Thanks for sharing your continued steps along the way.
It's really gotten quiet. I was... wait, did you hear that?
"plink"
English subtitles for
the hearing impaired:
(sound of pin dropping)
Sue - Yes, overdependent on other for our identity. I dealt with this for 15 years...at least. No one likes being misjudged, but like you said, freedom is being able to deal with it.
Well said.
Hi Robert. Choosing to love moment to moment is something I'm trying to be conscious of. There is good, and therefore God in almost anyone if we take the time to look. When we do, we can avoid mislabeling others.
You know Gary...it's funny, but when I write less often, I get less traffic. And things do get quiet around here. :)
Thanks for popping in, nonetheless.
The label thing and who I identify with has definitely played a big part in my psyche over the years. However, I think that these days I lean more towards finding my own identity and recognizing fruit in myself and others as a gage.
What are you training for Erin? Sounds like you are working hard.
I agree with you Ruth. Seeing the life-giving in other people is the best gauge...especially when we so often tend to label people before we really know them.
I'm training for the "Mother of all Relays"
hmm...you've got me thinking...
PW - Thinking is good... :)
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