Psst-> ✨☕✨
As an introvert, I spend a lot of time in reflection.
As a people watcher, always observing.
You can learn a lot about our human species with non judgemental observation.
Current events prompted this post, I'm praying with all that is in me we can see the ways we are alike over the differences we let divide us.
In a past SundayX I talked about the political divide- which is global.
Today, I'm talking about the Body of Christ divide- which is global.
My faith is not theater.
(I'm not implying anyone's is.)
I do not speak publicly about it often, because I recognize every person on this rock with me has their own beliefs. We can learn from one another instead of making others conform to the image we created of God.
I am not one to brow beat anyone or shove my beliefs down throats. Mostly, because I'm in constant awareness of my wretched human state.
My belief in Jesus means we should live and conduct ourselves by his example rather than constantly speaking scriptures "at people" while our lives bear little to no resemblance to what He taught. (Ashamed to say I've most definitely been guilty of the latter in my earlier years.)
We're all human, nobody is perfect it's true. This is the common reaction to the observation above.
It's said that proof of a genuine apology (repentance) is changed behavior. In other words, being personally accountable for our words and actions.
I do not use the Christian label for myself. If the world is hard pressed to find a label to put on me then the red letter words of Christ is an appropriate fit.
The core of Jesus message are his Words.
Period.
He is the Word become flesh.
Why don't I personally use the label then?
I do find soul nourishment in the Bible, all of it. Deep research and study has led me to consider it has already been added to and taken away from though.
I am also edified by Buddhist, Taoist, and Hindu text to name a few.
Inspiration and edification, for me, can also be found in Science.
During my former life in the church I've heard countless sermons regarding the Kingdom of God being within us. Since my exit I've seen it meme'd out and scores of influencers touch on it.
It's true! I believe it and always have but when are we going to really get it and see it alive and evident in our lives transforming the world around us?
The Kingdom of God is within us. All of us!
That means Christ is in us. All of us!
The Word made flesh in us. All of us!
Accessed by our conscious decision to turn away from hate and all that is profane.
Taking up our cross and following Love.
Following Christ.
What I'm saying is, I believe the Body of Christ to encompass more than boundaries set by Western Christianity.
The Body of Christ is not well either.
It's taxing for a body to perform that isn't in harmony. (I had a dream about this years ago I might share at a later date.)
As we prepare to lay Charlie Kirk to rest, the divide I'm witnessing between Democrat and Republican Christians is saddening. And it didn't start with his tragic passing. It's been brewing for decades but amplified by his striking down.
Everyone is so busy scrutinizing everyone else's fruit to the expense of trimming their wicks, packing oil and readying themselves for changes in the horizon.
I really struggled with whether to write this or not. Honestly, I didn't want to write it but I prefer a good night's sleep.
I studied Biblical verses on the Body of Christ in preparation.
The following verse jumped out at me resonating with a fresh perspective:
Luke 9: 49, 50
John answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us. But Jesus said to him, "Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you."
We're all working out our own salvation with fear and trembling . Phil 2: 12.
Let's show more grace to one another.
Love is the key. Use it. ✨💞✨
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