"don't be down!"

"Don't be down!" seems to be the words of some to some of us who are down. I'm not talking at all about people like Nancy, who remind us to abide in Christ and in his love. But I'm talking about those who like Job's friends are long on answers and quote Scripture left and right, yet somehow don't speak the Lord's word appropriate and needed for the time. And on top of that judge one for being down. Again I'm not talking about a discerning, loving, helpful voice, which may say some things that are hard and unpleasant to hear. No. I'm talking about the voice which cuts down with the attitude, "Get over it!' And who has it all together themselves, though really, of course, they don't.

Well, of course, I speak here from firsthand experience. I know the kind of stoning Christians can give others who are down and out. They'll put them out of their misery, readily, because they're not on board with the program.

I will say that going through depths helps me empathize with others. Some are in depths of bitterness which spews out everywhere, and if one is not careful, can burn one's own soul as well. I feel for such, while not wanting to be dragged down with them. Many of us have coping mechanisms or ways we're neither facing the Lord or our real selves. I think this is all around us, and manifest in so many ways. It is good to find the person who is transparent in a simple walk of faith in God expressed in love for God and for others. Rare though, I'm afraid.

What would you like to add to hopefully, this gentle rant?

arm's length Christianity

There is a "Christianity" that holds others in Jesus at arm's length, not fully accepting them in practice. I see this, and I am saddened, and even at times, angered by it. But it's a part of life here, and one has to live with it somehow.

This phenomena doesn't mean you can't interact with them well, and I sense that part of the problem comes from me recoiling from such, so as to avoid controversy. That well could be.

The Christianity of Jesus welcomes and embraces all others who are in Jesus, regardless of what they believe in peripheral to the faith, issues. And this faith welcomes and receives all others, not as full fledged Christians, but as those whom God loves, and in his Son has reconciled to himself, so that they might be reconciled to God.

When I see others marginalized in this false practice, I identify with the marginalized, even when I can't entirely line up with those being marginalized, in their thinking. I end up keeping at arm's length those who do that to others.

This extends to all kinds of people in the world, as well as to all kinds of Christians. And since I choose to extend my hands to such, I'm identified as being on their side, and believing what they believe. I'm willing to be misunderstood, though, as I remember that Jesus was misunderstood routinely by the religious leaders of his day.

What would you like to add to these few thoughts on "arm's length Christianity"?

love edifies

We read from Paul that knowledge puffs one up with pride, but love edifies, or builds others up, according to their needs. I see this time and time again. Those who think they know it all, or who come across that way even as Christians, do not promote the love of God in Christ Jesus. But those who love really begin to get it, even when off in some matters- and aren't we all.

I see time and time again, within the spirit of love found in Jesus, a fellowship that is living, growing and open to the grace and truth found in our Lord. Though it does seem more often than not, and in most circles, though not all, to be an uphill struggle.

It is interesting the contrast Paul brings up here. There is knowledge on the one hand, having all the answers, and knowing better than the rest. Then there's love: listening to others, knowing one does not have all the answers and even with the answers one has, that they are entirely dependent on God, in need of others, and don't get it as God does or fully. It's a humility that is glad to be taught of God from the most simple and humble servant of the Lord. Willing even to learn from the lips of a child.

It's about the love of God that is in Jesus and therefore among God's people. And as Paul is saying, it's a love that is ready to leave behind one's own freedom in regard to nonessential things, that the one thing needful might be promoted. Sitting together at the feet of the Lord, by the Spirit, and learning from each other. And therefore, in love, building each other up, as each one humbly does their part.

What might you like to add to this?

everyone has their part

In Jesus, everyone has their part. This is important for us to remember and we'd better believe it. If we don't, then we're going to lose out on what God wants to do.

I was reminded of this today in our "devotions". We're just starting a study guide, this one done by Eugene Peterson on Psalms: Prayers of the Heart. I volunteered to lead it, so I did, but did so by attempting to get out of the way as much as possible, and encourage a discussion with each other over the questions pertaining to Psalm 1. It was a good exercise and reminder to me of what we gain when we seek to let everyone have their part, and what we lose when we don't.

Of course each of us has our part. It may be small and by itself it may seem insignificant, but when put with the rest it ends up being a rhythm and harmony put in place by God through the Spirit, a song of love in Christ to be sung, danced and lived out in this world.

I do get kind of tired of the notion that only certain ones really hit the notes right or make the right sound. This is so silly. God would have each of us hit the note or make the sound he has for each of us. Without the contribution of each, the song is missing something. When will we really believe this? I'm working on it, both to be willing to do my part and eagerly want each to join in with their part.

gossip

What is gossip? Some Christians think it's okay to talk about others if what is being said is "true". But does this practice meet the standard of the "Jesus Creed" of loving God with are all and loving our neighbor as ourselves? We know better.

I'm amazed at how the flaws and foibles of people are consistently pointed out by Christians who themselves have flaws and foibles. And don't we all?

It's said that in a business context or workplace there is a time to talk about the weaknesses or downside of others. I suppose that's true, though I grudgingly give it that much.

When someone is not doing well in something why can't we as a friend take them aside and first listen to them, while sharing with them our concern? Why do we have to bat it around with others?

The tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs). Let's be careful what we say, and what we hear. Let's not countenance any form of gossip. We'd better look at ourselves in the mirror first and pick on ourselves before we say a disparaging word about another.

Any thoughts here? Where might I be off, a little (or more)?