Monday, April 26, 2004
Sitting on the fence is harder than I thought it would ever be. I thought I could survive doing this, but the pull from all sides seems to be too much at times. It's not even a two sided fence anymore, but more like three or four.
On one hand I love the Church. I love its people and their genuine love. I love their earnestness and I love the Church's traditions.
On the ohter hand I know the frustrations with the Church, which ultimately happen because the Church is made up of humans just like me. The Church often fails in outreach and honesty, and mostly shelters itself to the point of only being with fellow Christians, but "safe" people in general.
However, I tired very quickly of the complaints, the bickering, and the fingerpointing coming from those that see the need for change in the Church.
Everyone knows it has problems. God even knew it would make mistakes- and He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us. The last thing the Church needs is egotistical people who think they know everything and can point out everyone's problems as if because they were more mature, and wise than others, they deserve the chance to ridicule and mock.
Look at Jesus, what a novel idea. He dined with, healed and aided those who society set apart. Humble, meek, forigiving: jesus didn't tear apart. He edified, encouraged, and held up His people as prized posessions.
It is interesting to hear things from all sides. The blame gets us nowhere. I cannot tell my jr. highers they are wrong and that the way they think is entirely immature. I have to sit with them, talk with them, and teach through an amazingly rough period of their lives, even if that means telling really amazing poop stories. Jesus was about action, not talk. We cannot complain until we are ready to start change.
On one hand I love the Church. I love its people and their genuine love. I love their earnestness and I love the Church's traditions.
On the ohter hand I know the frustrations with the Church, which ultimately happen because the Church is made up of humans just like me. The Church often fails in outreach and honesty, and mostly shelters itself to the point of only being with fellow Christians, but "safe" people in general.
However, I tired very quickly of the complaints, the bickering, and the fingerpointing coming from those that see the need for change in the Church.
Everyone knows it has problems. God even knew it would make mistakes- and He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us. The last thing the Church needs is egotistical people who think they know everything and can point out everyone's problems as if because they were more mature, and wise than others, they deserve the chance to ridicule and mock.
Look at Jesus, what a novel idea. He dined with, healed and aided those who society set apart. Humble, meek, forigiving: jesus didn't tear apart. He edified, encouraged, and held up His people as prized posessions.
It is interesting to hear things from all sides. The blame gets us nowhere. I cannot tell my jr. highers they are wrong and that the way they think is entirely immature. I have to sit with them, talk with them, and teach through an amazingly rough period of their lives, even if that means telling really amazing poop stories. Jesus was about action, not talk. We cannot complain until we are ready to start change.
Sunday, April 25, 2004
it is quite satisfying to look at an old crush and think "the guy that likes me is so much better than that."
it is, however, unsatisfying to wear 'normal' clothes for a day, and have EVERYONE comment on how nice you look. Thanks for affirming the fact that every other day i look bad.
it is, however, unsatisfying to wear 'normal' clothes for a day, and have EVERYONE comment on how nice you look. Thanks for affirming the fact that every other day i look bad.
