So I realized I haven't written anything in a while, and my dad mentioned the other day he likes reading these (shout out to a reader, oh and Megan got some cookies for saying she read all of that long one). But I cheated on you blog, sorry, but I made a note on facebook. A ridiculous friend, ridiculous in all the attributes I look for in a friend, had a status that impacted my thinking a few days later, and then I just wrote it, but wanted to re-visit it now.
It has to do with doing what's expected. I am a Christian, and as such I feel at times expected to do things. My friend's status said something like this, "Having a hard time, I know God is with me so please no comments like that" (bad paraphrasing, it was about a month ago I think, sorry to person's status it was). But it just hit me (a week after I read it) that even at a Christian college we do things that are expected. We sing in chapel, we hug, we say hi to everyone, and most importantly it is our job to show sympathy to anyone having a bad day Go ahead, get some tears going and sit on the mall and see how many people just pass by. That sympathy comes in the form of, well God's love is everlasting, His peace passes our understanding... (To some, and to me this does sound kind of harsh, and I apologize, but if we can go beyond this for a minute) But why do we say these things. To make the person feel better, but they've almost certainly heard it all before. Or are we just Christians that do what's expected of us, or are we really showing the love of God to others.
The Lifehouse song "Trying" says, "Well I haven't memorized all the cute things to say, but I'm working on it. Maybe I'll master this art form someday. If I quote all the lines off the top of my head, would you believe that I fully understand all these things I've read". Is this what we are doing? Are we just memorizing cute things to say, and when to say them. Turning everyone, and their problems into cookie cutter one liners. Share a little person experience to show empathy, and then throw a Bible verse in to show God cares, and send them on their way. Today I gave up spending the day with a really good friend because I felt I should spend time with some people I play softball with in an attempt to build Godly relationships. But I skipped out on my friend. Was it because that is what is expected of me, should I always put building relationships to bring people closer to God in front of my own desires. This was the first time it was tested to this degree in me, cause my friend is leaving in August and not sure how many time I will see them again, and I want to build a long lasting friendship, but with skipping on a graduation party to play softball really doesn't scream long lasting friendship. But I told some my teammates, that I was a Sr. ministry major, and that I'm only a sub because I'm leaving for a mission trip soon. Just got to plant a little seed to open up for conversation in the weeks to come. Was this what I'm suppose to do as a Christian? Or what God wants me to do as a follower of His Son.
That was what I'm trying to get at. This is very round about way of answering that question. Because I want to be the good Christian who does what's expected, or I'm seeking God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Oh please God let it be the latter.
good thoughts bobby! Even though sometimes what we know we should do "as Christians" seems like we do it just because it's expected; we really should be doing certain things- even if that means giving up something that we want, because in the bigger picture we find that God's plan is what we should have been desiring all along... to be truthful I don't really understand it- I have come to find this true in small situations- fighting my selfish wants and whatnot, but I don't understand the greater implications of this... but I do know that allowing God to guide our steps is the best way- but most often the hardest way too.
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