January 17, 2012
So my perception of fame has changed a lot sine October 5, 2007, when I decided that I wanted to be famous. I mean, there was always a bit of God in my motives, but I think I’d be a liar if I said He was my main, driving force. No, it was my love for attention, my passion for entertainment, that spurred that goal. And goodness, what a despicable goal. “I want to be famous.” That’s not about the work or my talents, but the glory. I wanted to be known.
Cue four years of God changing my heart. There’s little doubt that He put some form of that desire on my heart. It was just my human nature - that pesky flesh - that took ahold of it and corrupted it, leaving God with a lot of work to do within me before I could get anywhere.
And goodness, there’s no way I cannot believe in the Lord, His power, and His love, because it was not on my own accord or just by way of life that the desire I had for fame - a desire that literally ate at my stomach for weeks: it was such a striking, physical sensation constantly stabbing at me until it practically led me to despair - was steadily transformed into a distinct opposition against having such a goal.
God revealed to me the selfishness of my heart. Even though in the “peaks”of my desire for fame I did truly want to use it as a means to share God’s love widely, there were also other motivations there that were distinctly not of God’s character. He chipped away at that steadily, though - thank goodness - to the point where I became completely averse to fame. I truly felt like having fame was an undesirable thing that I wouldn’t at all be happy with - and believe me, that’s a complete 180 from where I was at 18, 19, and some of 20.
God was not finished with me there with this fame thing, however. He began to bring my attention to certain things. Twitter, for starters, and the celebrities with literally millions of followers, who were just wasting that. Celebrities who have at times said they have a faith in Christ, yet not mentioning a single thing about Him ever. Five million people at their disposal, ready to be influenced - gosh, what a platform that would be. And celebrities are rarely against pushing their own agendas - social, political, personal - and it’s often to incredible results, but there’s not really anyone in such a position of social influence doing that for Christ…
Which brings in Exhibit B - Tim Tebow. The now famous NFL quarterback who does not hesitate to throw all glory to God, to preach the Gospel openly, to live in the love of Jesus. And people are taking notice. By not being afraid to use his position in the spotlight to share the message of Jesus, he is reaching so many. And it began to dawn on me - the advantage of fame. Though still convinced in the selfishness of pursuing fame, especially in the way that most do, I can see now that if I were to become famous, the possibilities are endless. The key would simply be to make fame not at all, even in the least bit, for my glory, but entirely for God’s. To turn it over completely to Jesus. His fame, essentially. Not mine.
I don’t believe in “pursuing fame for the sake of God”, because that seems to make God the secondary goal, as well as implying that you cannot bring glory to God without being famous. I’ve accepted and embraced that I can certainly do God’s work and reach many people with the gifts He’s given me without fame even being remotely apart of the equation. To say I’m trying to become famous for Him seems ridiculous, still seems more self-motivated than anyway, as well as self-controlling - trying to pursue my own way of life as opposed to letting God take the lead, like He’s supposed to.
To decide for myself “This is the way God is going to use me” and trying to get to a certain place before I let Him use me instead of letting myself be used for His will in the present and letting HIm take me where He deems fit - I don’t think that’s how it should be. But if I follow Him, use my gifts to His glory, and give my all to Him, and He ends up leading me to fame as a result - then I know how it absolutely must be used.
It’s not “try to become famous and use it for God” - it’s simply live my life always for God and follow Him wherever He leads me, whether that be general obscurity or worldwide renown. I just know that the amount of people who know who I am and what I’m doing does not measure my success. I know that even the amount of people I reach does not measure my success. It is simply letting God use me in all circumstances, letting Him use me to touch any life, knowing that heaven rejoices over even just one soul that comes to Jesus.
And if my art never reaches some place of wide recognition - then whatever. I’m far from fame, but there’s no doubt in my mind that God has already used my humor, films, and music to touch plenty of people. Fame won’t validate my creativity or purpose. God does that. And I’m just to give it all for His use, whether He wants to use it to reach ten people or ten million. Either way, His purpose is accomplished in the end, and that’s more than good enough for me.
But if He does want to use it to reach ten million - then I’m not opposed to that. No longer seeking that fate with all I got, but from an evangelistic prospective, there is a great advantage to having millions of people watching everything you do. And I do think that would be amazing. Much like with money, fame in itself isn’t a bad thing - it’s your attitude towards it, what you do with it that decides that. So if I am to ever be famous, I wouldn’t hate it. I don’t say that ironically - really, I’d just be fine with it.
But I feel part of me kind of starting to want fame again, in a much different way than I ever have before. It’s not a desire that’s consuming me, eating away at me - nothing that I’m obsessing over. Because it’s honestly not about my own recognition, attention or achievement, but rather it’s one moment playing in my head right now: At the grace of God being able to win an Oscar, stepping before all those people, those cameras, a nationwide audience and not thanking a laundry list of people, but rather straight up sharing the Gospel.
But if I never get that moment, it’s all good. I just pray that someone takes advantage of that moment in that way, and I will be more than satisfied to live out my life in the way God deems for me.
God had changed my heart so much that it’s incredible. It’s all on Him, that’s for sure, and I’m so grateful to Him for all that He has revealed to me, for continually sanctifying me - for saving me in the first place.
Lastly on fame - I pray that there will be more Tim Tebows in the world. In each industry, using the “spotlight” for Jesus. I pray that these Christians who are famous start using their fame to openly share Jesus. That they’ll realize that faith is not a private matter. If our faith is something we really cherish, really hold as important…if Jesus is to us what we say He is - why wouldn’t we want to share the wonderful love that has touched our lives so deeply to the point that we’re willing to call ourselves Christians? We wouldn’t have known Jesus if someone hadn’t told us - so whether we’re famous or not, I pray that we’re all led and convicted to share the amazing love of Christ with as many people as we can. Let’s not be selfish with it. Let’s not care what people think especially, because what people think certainly won’t matter once we’re off this Earth. In fact, we may take a look around and regret that we ever cared what people thought…
I think that’s what stops many “famous Christians” the most - fear of losing their fame, or even the opportunity to do what made them famous, by so openly endorsing and speaking about their faith. But I say that if I ever do become famous, I’m gonna speak about my faith until I do lose it. Then keep speaking about it even after that. If speaking about Christ is a surefire way to lose fame, then I’m gonna do all I can to lose it.
But really, that’s how it should be, regardless of fame. And that’s the ultimate lesson I’ve learned here - God can and will use us for His glory, no matter what the circumstance. Doesn’t matter if I’m famous or not - I’m still going all out on The Great Commission. There is always someone to be reached and influenced in our lives, after all.
Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
And that’s the past four years of my life for you.
Showing posts with label Matthew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matthew. Show all posts
Friday, October 12, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Amor.
From March 11, 2008
I Corinthians 13:4-8
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keep no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..."
Romans 12: 9-17
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil."
Romans 13:9-10
"The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
I Peter 4:8-10
"Above all else, love deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithful administering God's grace in its various form."
I Timothy 1:5
"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
Ephesians 5:1-2
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Can we remove all romantic connotations from the word for just a few moments? Love is pure, but the concept is tainted by the secular definitions. In all these verses, the "love" is not complimented by words such as "marriage", but rather the idea of reaching out to others, no matter who they may be.
Love is a word that is often thrown around quite meaninglessly, most likely because most people do not truly understand what love truly is. Now I do not claim to be an expert, but I would consider Paul one. And his description of love, as seen in I Corinthians covers it all.
It's the end of that segment that touches me the most. "Love never fails." I think it's complete crap when people utter the words, "I just don't love him/her anymore." If that's the case, then it obviously wasn't love to begin with. The things of the world are fickle and uncertain, but love is of God, and if there is one certain in life, than it is Him. If anyone's experiences with love goes against what He has said in anyway, then I am confident to say that it was not quite love.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demon, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is Christ in Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
Now that's love.
Of course, we are repeatedly told to love our neighbors, but I'm sure we all question whether or not it's possible to have such a sincere love for everyone, including people we haven't meant. Obviously, there must be different levels of love, defined by the amount of fervor behind it, but the same principle still remains. Though not as invested in the homeless man I pass on the street daily as I am with my mother, I am still expected to reach out to him just the same.
But I believe to fulfill the criteria of love as stated above from the Bible, certain prerequisites in the relationship aren't needed, especially since we are not talking of "romantic" love at this moment. Thus I am constantly inspired to reach out in the best way I can to everyone who may need it. It's a thought that has been swimming around in my mind a lot for the past weeks, but I feel like I haven't exactly acted on it. No, I do not blatantly shun people, but there is always more than I can be doing to show love.
I Peter 4:8-10 especially speaks to me on this matter. Verse 8 has always been one of my favorite verses, but recently I've noted the following verses. It is not a coincidence that Peter speaks of hospitality right after he mentions love. So I want to be available to anyone who may need me, may it be in the simplest way or in the most complex way. I realize how easy it is to show love and how the slightest gesture can mean a lot to a person.
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithful administering God's grace in its various form."
Another thing that I am now becoming more focused on. I've been quite aware of my talents for some time now, mostly because compliments on them have been shoved down my throat since I was about seven. But it's come to the point that I realize that I shouldn't be using my gifts for my own joy, but for the joy of the Lord and of others. Especially in my case, when I have talents that specifically can be used to impact others (creativity, writing, humor). And without even meaning to, I've seen lately that these abilities have already been used by God to touch the lives of others, but I am not willing to just stop there. I want to take it to another level.
I just think it's very important to be a beacon of the love of the Lord. More important than myself, after all, is others.
Love is a simple concept with a powerful results. It can change moments, lives, the world. It's something we all need to be more conscience. Instead of automatically equivocating this concept to romance, we need to broaden our definitions to encompass what God truly means it as.
And this is regard to not just our friend and family, but enemies and strangers as well.
Let it be known that I am working on a blank state here. Despite lack of compatibilities or events that may have occurred in the past, I am willing to love and I'm going to love. And I think I've lost the central point of this note long ago.
But then again, isn't the central point love? 'Cause unlike most things, love never fails.
I love you all.
I Corinthians 13:4-8
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keep no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..."
Romans 12: 9-17
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil."
Romans 13:9-10
"The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
I Peter 4:8-10
"Above all else, love deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithful administering God's grace in its various form."
I Timothy 1:5
"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
Ephesians 5:1-2
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Can we remove all romantic connotations from the word for just a few moments? Love is pure, but the concept is tainted by the secular definitions. In all these verses, the "love" is not complimented by words such as "marriage", but rather the idea of reaching out to others, no matter who they may be.
Love is a word that is often thrown around quite meaninglessly, most likely because most people do not truly understand what love truly is. Now I do not claim to be an expert, but I would consider Paul one. And his description of love, as seen in I Corinthians covers it all.
It's the end of that segment that touches me the most. "Love never fails." I think it's complete crap when people utter the words, "I just don't love him/her anymore." If that's the case, then it obviously wasn't love to begin with. The things of the world are fickle and uncertain, but love is of God, and if there is one certain in life, than it is Him. If anyone's experiences with love goes against what He has said in anyway, then I am confident to say that it was not quite love.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demon, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is Christ in Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
Now that's love.
Of course, we are repeatedly told to love our neighbors, but I'm sure we all question whether or not it's possible to have such a sincere love for everyone, including people we haven't meant. Obviously, there must be different levels of love, defined by the amount of fervor behind it, but the same principle still remains. Though not as invested in the homeless man I pass on the street daily as I am with my mother, I am still expected to reach out to him just the same.
But I believe to fulfill the criteria of love as stated above from the Bible, certain prerequisites in the relationship aren't needed, especially since we are not talking of "romantic" love at this moment. Thus I am constantly inspired to reach out in the best way I can to everyone who may need it. It's a thought that has been swimming around in my mind a lot for the past weeks, but I feel like I haven't exactly acted on it. No, I do not blatantly shun people, but there is always more than I can be doing to show love.
I Peter 4:8-10 especially speaks to me on this matter. Verse 8 has always been one of my favorite verses, but recently I've noted the following verses. It is not a coincidence that Peter speaks of hospitality right after he mentions love. So I want to be available to anyone who may need me, may it be in the simplest way or in the most complex way. I realize how easy it is to show love and how the slightest gesture can mean a lot to a person.
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithful administering God's grace in its various form."
Another thing that I am now becoming more focused on. I've been quite aware of my talents for some time now, mostly because compliments on them have been shoved down my throat since I was about seven. But it's come to the point that I realize that I shouldn't be using my gifts for my own joy, but for the joy of the Lord and of others. Especially in my case, when I have talents that specifically can be used to impact others (creativity, writing, humor). And without even meaning to, I've seen lately that these abilities have already been used by God to touch the lives of others, but I am not willing to just stop there. I want to take it to another level.
I just think it's very important to be a beacon of the love of the Lord. More important than myself, after all, is others.
Love is a simple concept with a powerful results. It can change moments, lives, the world. It's something we all need to be more conscience. Instead of automatically equivocating this concept to romance, we need to broaden our definitions to encompass what God truly means it as.
And this is regard to not just our friend and family, but enemies and strangers as well.
Let it be known that I am working on a blank state here. Despite lack of compatibilities or events that may have occurred in the past, I am willing to love and I'm going to love. And I think I've lost the central point of this note long ago.
But then again, isn't the central point love? 'Cause unlike most things, love never fails.
I love you all.
Y'all Ought to be Ashamed.
From August 10, 2008
Yeah, I'm about to chew you out.
I don't know where anyone gets off thinking that the word "nigger" is okay to say depending on the context. And I think it's very ridiculous to say "white people can be 'n words', too" yet every time I've heard that word used these past few months, it was not in regards to anyone white.
I know that I spent nine months at NYU, in which black people are the extreme minority, yet I never heard the 'n word' ever uttered. To go even further, I didn't even encounter the more subtle racism - the slight discrimination, the "casual" verbal judgments. The only references to me even being black were made by myself in a joking manner or by other minorities, also in a joking manner. But outside of that, there were at the most two references made in the WHOLE year by the majority group to me being black.
It's a Southern thing.
Everybody's racist, though. Don't even attempt to deny it. I hate it when people try to preface statements with "I'm not racist, but...", because yes, you are, and yes that statement you're about to say is sooo racist. Unfortunately in this current society, it's a bit of an inherent thing. But what you say, how you act, and the unfair judgments you make can be controlled.
So if a black person pisses you off, there's no reason to be calling him the n-word. Surely you have to know the history behind that word. How demeaning it has always been and how it was created to be geared solely towards black people. Thus, it is highly disrespectful to use that word. Period - I don't care if you only use that in regards to "ghetto" people or you even all white people that sometimes, it's still a highly offensive and completely disrespectful term.
Now my feelings don't get hurt every time that's said. I just get upset because it showcases ignorance and disrespect. You throw around such a weighted and negative term like it's nothing, like a group of people haven't been fighting against it and other discriminations for generations. Call someone an "asshole". I can't say I condone of that, either, but at least it has none of the attached sentiments that the n-word, though.
I was talking to Carmen about this, and she understood my views of how I don't take it personally, but just find it incredibly disrespectul and thus, infuriating, because that's the way that she gets with the word "faggot." It is, in fact, that same deal. Leading into this.
I am not a gay rights activist. I'll be honest - I'm a Christian, the Bible does say that a man should not lay with a man the way he does a woman, and do find it to be unnatural. However, the treatment of homosexuals is appalling. The "f-word" is meant to demean and belittle a specific group of people. In the same way as the "n-word", it's a term that dehumanizes, thus implying that that individual is not good enough to be given an actual identity, so thus he will be called the "f-word" instead.
See, that is some people have such severe problems with Christians. We're supposedly apart of a faith built about love, yet some of us throw around those terms like nothing, though obviously they are quite hurtful. Do you seriously think that if Jesus was on Earth right now, he'd go around to gay people, calling them "faggots" and "queers." No, this is Jesus, who hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors - the bottom of society at that time.
The foundation of Christianity is love. God loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die for our sins. Thus we are to show love in return - both to God and to those around us. Love, not condemn. Not treat a group of people so differently because we don't agree with their lifestyles.
It's quite hypocritical, too, in many ways, but especially because a lot Christians are willing to look past the sins of others and their own sins, yet come down so hard on homosexuality, as if it's the sin to end all sins. In my personal opinion, it's the most harmless. Promiscuous sex is way more damaging, if we're on the subject of sexuality. But God doesn't have a rating system of sin.
But it's pathetically funny, because surely if you ask some Christian what is worse - some guy who sleeps around a lot or a gay guy who is a virgin by choice, they'd say the former. That is not right.
Then there's the whole thing about how homosexuality is "different" because it's a lifestyle as opposed to an one-time act. Well, if you want to get technical, the "act" of someone being emotionally and physically attracted to someone of the same sex and pursuing a relationship with them is not a sin unless sex is involved, but rather the individual act of sex with someone of the same sex. I've read my Bible - and yes, it's all technical, so I won't dwell on that issue.
But is not anyone who is not a born again Christian living a sinful lifestyle, then? Yet there is a significantly less discrimination against those who aren't Christian than there is against homosexuals specifically.
Then the other "argument" is that supposedly one cannot be a Christian and a homosexual. But that's like saying that anyone who sins cannot be a Christian. Which of course is not true, because then no one would be a Christian. And then they'd bring up the whole "lifestyle" thing again, but is a Christian who has a problem with lying not a Christian? Or one who has a drinking problem?
But what it comes down to it all is that we really cannot define what a Christian is for others, now can we? We're just imperfect humans ourselves. So we have no right whatsoever to say that anyone isn't really a Christian, nor to condemn someone for anything, because that is for God and God alone.
We have no right to look down on anyone, homosexuals included, because we are not perfect ourselves.
Look up John 8:1-12. I'll paraphrase it. The Pharisees bring an adulterous woman to Jesus, saying that she needs to be stoned. Jesus says that whoever is that who is without sin can throw the first stone. No one, of course, does. Jesus then asks the woman where her accusers are, in which she answers that there aren't any. So Jesus says that He does not condemn her, either, and let's her go free,then tells us that we are to be like Him.
So maybe the next time you come across a homosexual and are getting ready to spit out a biting comment, think of these verses. It is not our place at all. It is between that person and God. And if some person is truly a Christian, but also a homosexual, then it will be taken care of if they do have that relationship with God. What "taken care of" means, none of us know, but it's not for us to know. Worry about yourself, and if you want to worry about others, do it respectfully and focus more on salvation.
We also should not look down on anyone, because we are supposed to approach everyone with love.
Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
I don't see anything about "don't be homosexual" or "condemn all homosexuals" or "call all gay people 'faggots'" or anything remotely like this. But love the Lord, then love your neighbor. Being condescending has nothing to do with love at all.
There are so many issues with the way people treat others in general. We're all guilty of it, myself included, of course. But if we work to improve on this by tackling the major cases first, or maybe even the minor cases, then we can improve. A lot of issues in this world would be solved if we just consistently treated people right.
I think if I write another note like this, it will be about forgiveness vs revenge. That's another thing I see a lot.
Yeah, I'm about to chew you out.
I don't know where anyone gets off thinking that the word "nigger" is okay to say depending on the context. And I think it's very ridiculous to say "white people can be 'n words', too" yet every time I've heard that word used these past few months, it was not in regards to anyone white.
I know that I spent nine months at NYU, in which black people are the extreme minority, yet I never heard the 'n word' ever uttered. To go even further, I didn't even encounter the more subtle racism - the slight discrimination, the "casual" verbal judgments. The only references to me even being black were made by myself in a joking manner or by other minorities, also in a joking manner. But outside of that, there were at the most two references made in the WHOLE year by the majority group to me being black.
It's a Southern thing.
Everybody's racist, though. Don't even attempt to deny it. I hate it when people try to preface statements with "I'm not racist, but...", because yes, you are, and yes that statement you're about to say is sooo racist. Unfortunately in this current society, it's a bit of an inherent thing. But what you say, how you act, and the unfair judgments you make can be controlled.
So if a black person pisses you off, there's no reason to be calling him the n-word. Surely you have to know the history behind that word. How demeaning it has always been and how it was created to be geared solely towards black people. Thus, it is highly disrespectful to use that word. Period - I don't care if you only use that in regards to "ghetto" people or you even all white people that sometimes, it's still a highly offensive and completely disrespectful term.
Now my feelings don't get hurt every time that's said. I just get upset because it showcases ignorance and disrespect. You throw around such a weighted and negative term like it's nothing, like a group of people haven't been fighting against it and other discriminations for generations. Call someone an "asshole". I can't say I condone of that, either, but at least it has none of the attached sentiments that the n-word, though.
I was talking to Carmen about this, and she understood my views of how I don't take it personally, but just find it incredibly disrespectul and thus, infuriating, because that's the way that she gets with the word "faggot." It is, in fact, that same deal. Leading into this.
I am not a gay rights activist. I'll be honest - I'm a Christian, the Bible does say that a man should not lay with a man the way he does a woman, and do find it to be unnatural. However, the treatment of homosexuals is appalling. The "f-word" is meant to demean and belittle a specific group of people. In the same way as the "n-word", it's a term that dehumanizes, thus implying that that individual is not good enough to be given an actual identity, so thus he will be called the "f-word" instead.
See, that is some people have such severe problems with Christians. We're supposedly apart of a faith built about love, yet some of us throw around those terms like nothing, though obviously they are quite hurtful. Do you seriously think that if Jesus was on Earth right now, he'd go around to gay people, calling them "faggots" and "queers." No, this is Jesus, who hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors - the bottom of society at that time.
The foundation of Christianity is love. God loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die for our sins. Thus we are to show love in return - both to God and to those around us. Love, not condemn. Not treat a group of people so differently because we don't agree with their lifestyles.
It's quite hypocritical, too, in many ways, but especially because a lot Christians are willing to look past the sins of others and their own sins, yet come down so hard on homosexuality, as if it's the sin to end all sins. In my personal opinion, it's the most harmless. Promiscuous sex is way more damaging, if we're on the subject of sexuality. But God doesn't have a rating system of sin.
But it's pathetically funny, because surely if you ask some Christian what is worse - some guy who sleeps around a lot or a gay guy who is a virgin by choice, they'd say the former. That is not right.
Then there's the whole thing about how homosexuality is "different" because it's a lifestyle as opposed to an one-time act. Well, if you want to get technical, the "act" of someone being emotionally and physically attracted to someone of the same sex and pursuing a relationship with them is not a sin unless sex is involved, but rather the individual act of sex with someone of the same sex. I've read my Bible - and yes, it's all technical, so I won't dwell on that issue.
But is not anyone who is not a born again Christian living a sinful lifestyle, then? Yet there is a significantly less discrimination against those who aren't Christian than there is against homosexuals specifically.
Then the other "argument" is that supposedly one cannot be a Christian and a homosexual. But that's like saying that anyone who sins cannot be a Christian. Which of course is not true, because then no one would be a Christian. And then they'd bring up the whole "lifestyle" thing again, but is a Christian who has a problem with lying not a Christian? Or one who has a drinking problem?
But what it comes down to it all is that we really cannot define what a Christian is for others, now can we? We're just imperfect humans ourselves. So we have no right whatsoever to say that anyone isn't really a Christian, nor to condemn someone for anything, because that is for God and God alone.
We have no right to look down on anyone, homosexuals included, because we are not perfect ourselves.
Look up John 8:1-12. I'll paraphrase it. The Pharisees bring an adulterous woman to Jesus, saying that she needs to be stoned. Jesus says that whoever is that who is without sin can throw the first stone. No one, of course, does. Jesus then asks the woman where her accusers are, in which she answers that there aren't any. So Jesus says that He does not condemn her, either, and let's her go free,then tells us that we are to be like Him.
So maybe the next time you come across a homosexual and are getting ready to spit out a biting comment, think of these verses. It is not our place at all. It is between that person and God. And if some person is truly a Christian, but also a homosexual, then it will be taken care of if they do have that relationship with God. What "taken care of" means, none of us know, but it's not for us to know. Worry about yourself, and if you want to worry about others, do it respectfully and focus more on salvation.
We also should not look down on anyone, because we are supposed to approach everyone with love.
Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
I don't see anything about "don't be homosexual" or "condemn all homosexuals" or "call all gay people 'faggots'" or anything remotely like this. But love the Lord, then love your neighbor. Being condescending has nothing to do with love at all.
There are so many issues with the way people treat others in general. We're all guilty of it, myself included, of course. But if we work to improve on this by tackling the major cases first, or maybe even the minor cases, then we can improve. A lot of issues in this world would be solved if we just consistently treated people right.
I think if I write another note like this, it will be about forgiveness vs revenge. That's another thing I see a lot.
What I've Learned This Week
From May 23, 2010
It became evident to me around early Wednesday morning that God was doing something in my lfe. The pieces were just coming together so well - I knew it was the beginning of something in store, and that His presence was strong.
Sitting here on Sunday afternoon, it has just been further confirmed. There has been one thing especially in particular that God has shown me repeatedly this past week, and it’s mainly summed up to me in Matthew 7:13-14.
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Being heavily surrounded by Christians who live very similar lifestyles to me most of the time in New York (ironically, because the Christian presence is small, but it’s strong), I don’t think about it so often. It creates this illusion that so many people are traveling down the narrow path, and with so much support, it doesn’t seem so hard.
But recently, I’ve seen the narrow path for what it truly is - empty. I’m trudging it alone, no one in sight. I picture it overgrown from lack of use; there’s barely even a defined path. And the words of the above verse ring true - and there are few who find it.
It’s striking how much that exact theme has come up amongst my friends this week. The friend I’ve seen all but one night since I’ve been home, the friend hundreds of miles away right now - like God just doesn’t want me to forget that people like me are truly one in a million. People who don’t drink, smoke, or sex, yes, but on a much larger and more important scale than that, people who feel compelled to actually live their lives right.
Why is it so important to know that there really is no one choosing that narrow path? Well, to expose the world as a whole as it really is - lost, hedonistic, and desolate. To encourage me (and anyone else) to stay on the narrow path; it is imperative, because someone has to do it. And lastly, as a calling to try and change the world. There are few of us, but we do exist. It’s fantastic that we choose to walk the narrow path, but it would be even better if we could influence others to do the same.
I’ve told myself before - I have to live my life right, I have to be better than the rest of them. And it’s not a pride thing, it’s not a way to feel better about myself. I have to do it, because someone has to. Someone has to be better, because goodness, this world is so messed, but as long as there’s still some of us fighting down the narrow path, then there’s hope.
It’s so important to share our faith. That’s what we’re here for, after all. I had been wrestling with it a little bit lately, but it is just so crucial. Why don’t we shout it out all the time? Fear, uncertainty…but it’s become increasingly evident to me (mostly thank to a wonderful testimony given by my best friend, Beth, this past week) that every single opportunity should be taken to share the good news. If there’s an opening, jump into it, because there’s not a single person on this Earth who doesn’t need Jesus, whether they realize it or not.
And of course I’ve struggled with the balance of passionately sharing my faith and coming off as overbearing and imposing. And though some discretion should be used, I guess, I realized last night as I was sharing the Gospel for the first time in over a year (which is a dang shame) that there is no balance. You’re either sharing your faith or you’re not. Now there are different approaches for different people, but mentioning Jesus once in a conversation and never bringing it up again because the person doesn’t seem receptive gets us nowhere. So that’s another thing I’ve learned - you can’t be a pansy about it, worrying about stepping on toes, because really, this is a matter of life and death.
Then there’s how all of these spiritual lessons tie into my dream (as in, ideal life direction, not nocturnal visions), which is at least encouraging, which is a nice balance against how discouraging it feels being a minority in every sense of the word. But something good’s gonna come out of it, I know.
So that’s what has been reiterated in my life this week. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37) I won’t cite examples, but it is truly striking how much that has come up in life situations this week. But I just encourage my fellow Christians to stay strong - to know that even though there are few of us, we are never truly alone. This world is screwed up - but there is still hope abound. And it starts with us, reaching out, influencing, and most importantly, loving all of those around us. Then God can use us to make a real difference in this world.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3
God is good. Have a great day.
It became evident to me around early Wednesday morning that God was doing something in my lfe. The pieces were just coming together so well - I knew it was the beginning of something in store, and that His presence was strong.
Sitting here on Sunday afternoon, it has just been further confirmed. There has been one thing especially in particular that God has shown me repeatedly this past week, and it’s mainly summed up to me in Matthew 7:13-14.
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Being heavily surrounded by Christians who live very similar lifestyles to me most of the time in New York (ironically, because the Christian presence is small, but it’s strong), I don’t think about it so often. It creates this illusion that so many people are traveling down the narrow path, and with so much support, it doesn’t seem so hard.
But recently, I’ve seen the narrow path for what it truly is - empty. I’m trudging it alone, no one in sight. I picture it overgrown from lack of use; there’s barely even a defined path. And the words of the above verse ring true - and there are few who find it.
It’s striking how much that exact theme has come up amongst my friends this week. The friend I’ve seen all but one night since I’ve been home, the friend hundreds of miles away right now - like God just doesn’t want me to forget that people like me are truly one in a million. People who don’t drink, smoke, or sex, yes, but on a much larger and more important scale than that, people who feel compelled to actually live their lives right.
Why is it so important to know that there really is no one choosing that narrow path? Well, to expose the world as a whole as it really is - lost, hedonistic, and desolate. To encourage me (and anyone else) to stay on the narrow path; it is imperative, because someone has to do it. And lastly, as a calling to try and change the world. There are few of us, but we do exist. It’s fantastic that we choose to walk the narrow path, but it would be even better if we could influence others to do the same.
I’ve told myself before - I have to live my life right, I have to be better than the rest of them. And it’s not a pride thing, it’s not a way to feel better about myself. I have to do it, because someone has to. Someone has to be better, because goodness, this world is so messed, but as long as there’s still some of us fighting down the narrow path, then there’s hope.
It’s so important to share our faith. That’s what we’re here for, after all. I had been wrestling with it a little bit lately, but it is just so crucial. Why don’t we shout it out all the time? Fear, uncertainty…but it’s become increasingly evident to me (mostly thank to a wonderful testimony given by my best friend, Beth, this past week) that every single opportunity should be taken to share the good news. If there’s an opening, jump into it, because there’s not a single person on this Earth who doesn’t need Jesus, whether they realize it or not.
And of course I’ve struggled with the balance of passionately sharing my faith and coming off as overbearing and imposing. And though some discretion should be used, I guess, I realized last night as I was sharing the Gospel for the first time in over a year (which is a dang shame) that there is no balance. You’re either sharing your faith or you’re not. Now there are different approaches for different people, but mentioning Jesus once in a conversation and never bringing it up again because the person doesn’t seem receptive gets us nowhere. So that’s another thing I’ve learned - you can’t be a pansy about it, worrying about stepping on toes, because really, this is a matter of life and death.
Then there’s how all of these spiritual lessons tie into my dream (as in, ideal life direction, not nocturnal visions), which is at least encouraging, which is a nice balance against how discouraging it feels being a minority in every sense of the word. But something good’s gonna come out of it, I know.
So that’s what has been reiterated in my life this week. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37) I won’t cite examples, but it is truly striking how much that has come up in life situations this week. But I just encourage my fellow Christians to stay strong - to know that even though there are few of us, we are never truly alone. This world is screwed up - but there is still hope abound. And it starts with us, reaching out, influencing, and most importantly, loving all of those around us. Then God can use us to make a real difference in this world.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3
God is good. Have a great day.
Matthew 5:41
From January 14, 2011
“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”
(just some thoughts I scribbled down in my journal earlier today, so it’s a little scattered, a little stream of consciousness, but I wanted to share them).
In my Bible, Matthew 5:38-42 is headed with “Go the Second Mile”, and the entire section is compelling. But that line above - it is particularly striking to me now. Because it’s not just complying with someone, but doing more than what is asked. A truly selfless spirit is presented in these verses, and I think that selflessness is so important, yet so disregarded often times.
I don’t think it’s being a pushover. I think it’s not caring about your pride or what you’re entitled to or what the other person is not entitled to - it’s putting all of that aside and just all out serving regardless, because it is the right spirit to have. And that is so powerful. I think it says so much to be able to act that way - especially when you are not at all expected to or when the person doesn’t deserve it - especially in this very self-involved day and age.
I think to be able to behave like that in this selfish world is nothing short of God, and it would really allow everyone to see Christ through us. For them to pick up on that would be such a testament to the changing power for the Spirit. Plus imagine a world where where not only everyone was selfless, but also went that extra mile. I think that would look great, if down in the right spirit.
It’s a struggle, but I’ve been trying to embody that selfless spirit. I think it’s so important as a follower of Christ, especially seeing how He gave the greatest sacrifice ever to people who don’t deserve it. So I’m inspired to sacrifice as well for the betterment of the lives of other people, even in the smallest of ways.
I think self-denial is neither a weak or foolish thing. Especially when I have so much more in Jesus, anyway. So it’s not like I have to give up what’s really important.
“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”
(just some thoughts I scribbled down in my journal earlier today, so it’s a little scattered, a little stream of consciousness, but I wanted to share them).
In my Bible, Matthew 5:38-42 is headed with “Go the Second Mile”, and the entire section is compelling. But that line above - it is particularly striking to me now. Because it’s not just complying with someone, but doing more than what is asked. A truly selfless spirit is presented in these verses, and I think that selflessness is so important, yet so disregarded often times.
I don’t think it’s being a pushover. I think it’s not caring about your pride or what you’re entitled to or what the other person is not entitled to - it’s putting all of that aside and just all out serving regardless, because it is the right spirit to have. And that is so powerful. I think it says so much to be able to act that way - especially when you are not at all expected to or when the person doesn’t deserve it - especially in this very self-involved day and age.
I think to be able to behave like that in this selfish world is nothing short of God, and it would really allow everyone to see Christ through us. For them to pick up on that would be such a testament to the changing power for the Spirit. Plus imagine a world where where not only everyone was selfless, but also went that extra mile. I think that would look great, if down in the right spirit.
It’s a struggle, but I’ve been trying to embody that selfless spirit. I think it’s so important as a follower of Christ, especially seeing how He gave the greatest sacrifice ever to people who don’t deserve it. So I’m inspired to sacrifice as well for the betterment of the lives of other people, even in the smallest of ways.
I think self-denial is neither a weak or foolish thing. Especially when I have so much more in Jesus, anyway. So it’s not like I have to give up what’s really important.
Matthew 5:44
From January 14, 2011
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
(Some more thoughts I wrote in my journal earlier - these are a little bit more together, though).
It kind of goes with what I was just talking about [see previous post], and I honestly love this verse. I think it’s so powerful - to be able to treat someone who’s hurt you like you’d treat a loved one, and to do it out of the right heart. It’s amazing to think that Jesus does this - all the people who disregard Him, hate Him, blasphemy Him - He loves them just as much as He loves me. He died for them, too. So like Matthew 5:48 says:
“Therefore you shall be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
We are to love like He loves.
I’ve made myself do the latter of verse 44 - pray for my enemies, essentially. It is the hardest, yet most humbling thing. And it feels good - not in a self-righteous sort of way, but to let the love of God flow through me…you really feel it in those moments where you pray for someone you really don’t even want to think about.
And it’s so hard to hate them when you’ve prayed for them - to soften your heart towards someone like that just gets rid of a lot of bitterness. It makes things better as a whole.
I think the concept really just kind of leaves m in awe, though - treating my enemies like I would my mom or my best friend. That is so powerful. That is love. It’s the love that we’re call to, like in Matthew 4:46:
“For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do that same?”
It’s great to love your friends and family and really nice people, of course, but it’s not that impressive. To be able to show love to the people you don’t want to - that’s something. It’s hard, of course, and really takes the help of Jesus, but I think it all starts with the right mindset. At least know you are supposed to love these people, too, and accept that. I think that’s a good first step to making it this love easier, instead of just succumbing to bitterness and the way of the world that says you’re allowed to hold a grudge. But it’s not what you’re justified in doing - it’s about striving to be as much like Jesus as we possibly can. That’s how life is supposed to be lived, and I think it makes such a difference.
In my experience, when it comes down to it, it feels better to let go of pride and hold on to love rather than let bitterness and hate consume you. Nothing eats away at you like holding a grudge or even just harboring the slightest bit of disdain towards someone. When I let that go, I feel so much lighter inside. I can feel Jesus’s for me more (not that His love ever changes - I just can experience it better), and it’s a great thing to be able to just smile at the person who’s hurt you - or even at just a generally nasty person.
Love changes the world, man. We just gotta give ourselves fully into it. Let it transform us, then our relationships, and then I know we’ll see a real difference.
My goal for the week (and, well, life): Work on being selfless - naturally selfless through Jesus, so I’ll have the right heart behind it and not even view it as a sacrifice, because I know I have my real treasure in heaven. And then to love to the best of my abilities, especially those who are hard to love. It doesn’t mean I have to think they’re great - just treat them like they are.
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
(Some more thoughts I wrote in my journal earlier - these are a little bit more together, though).
It kind of goes with what I was just talking about [see previous post], and I honestly love this verse. I think it’s so powerful - to be able to treat someone who’s hurt you like you’d treat a loved one, and to do it out of the right heart. It’s amazing to think that Jesus does this - all the people who disregard Him, hate Him, blasphemy Him - He loves them just as much as He loves me. He died for them, too. So like Matthew 5:48 says:
“Therefore you shall be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
We are to love like He loves.
I’ve made myself do the latter of verse 44 - pray for my enemies, essentially. It is the hardest, yet most humbling thing. And it feels good - not in a self-righteous sort of way, but to let the love of God flow through me…you really feel it in those moments where you pray for someone you really don’t even want to think about.
And it’s so hard to hate them when you’ve prayed for them - to soften your heart towards someone like that just gets rid of a lot of bitterness. It makes things better as a whole.
I think the concept really just kind of leaves m in awe, though - treating my enemies like I would my mom or my best friend. That is so powerful. That is love. It’s the love that we’re call to, like in Matthew 4:46:
“For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do that same?”
It’s great to love your friends and family and really nice people, of course, but it’s not that impressive. To be able to show love to the people you don’t want to - that’s something. It’s hard, of course, and really takes the help of Jesus, but I think it all starts with the right mindset. At least know you are supposed to love these people, too, and accept that. I think that’s a good first step to making it this love easier, instead of just succumbing to bitterness and the way of the world that says you’re allowed to hold a grudge. But it’s not what you’re justified in doing - it’s about striving to be as much like Jesus as we possibly can. That’s how life is supposed to be lived, and I think it makes such a difference.
In my experience, when it comes down to it, it feels better to let go of pride and hold on to love rather than let bitterness and hate consume you. Nothing eats away at you like holding a grudge or even just harboring the slightest bit of disdain towards someone. When I let that go, I feel so much lighter inside. I can feel Jesus’s for me more (not that His love ever changes - I just can experience it better), and it’s a great thing to be able to just smile at the person who’s hurt you - or even at just a generally nasty person.
Love changes the world, man. We just gotta give ourselves fully into it. Let it transform us, then our relationships, and then I know we’ll see a real difference.
My goal for the week (and, well, life): Work on being selfless - naturally selfless through Jesus, so I’ll have the right heart behind it and not even view it as a sacrifice, because I know I have my real treasure in heaven. And then to love to the best of my abilities, especially those who are hard to love. It doesn’t mean I have to think they’re great - just treat them like they are.
We're All So So Caught Up With the World's Perspective...
From February 18, 2011
We’re all so so caught up with the world’s perspective on things…
I feel like we rarely consider God’s perspective. Especially of ourselves. In the view of the world, there’s always something we have to strive for - better body, another degree, more, money, a man. But with God, all we have to strive for is Him. And going after Him brings forth a greater reward than anything this world can give us.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.
What spawned that thought, though, was specifically in regards to our image. We’re never quite there spiritually (thankfully God loves us anyway), but physically, God sees us and thinks we’re perfect as we are. And it’s true.
And I might keep my mouth shut when someone calls a person “ugly”, but I really shouldn’t, because I think that’s the most horrible thing. So many people struggle with deep self-esteem issues because they can’t see how beautiful they really are and it’s this perception of “beauty vs ugly” that we willingly perpetuate that contributes to that to an extent. No one is ugly. I can honestly say that. And who are we to call one of God’s precious creations that?
I’ve had this experience a few times that was absolutely amazing where God allowed me to see people exactly as He sees them. And as my eyes scanned the room, I truly found every person I laid my eyes on as absolutely beautiful. And to know that’s how God sees everyone all the time - it was both unbelievable and convicting.
That’s how I need to see people all the time. That’s how we all need to. How can we embody the love of Christ we claim to follow if we’re shooting others down with judgments on their physicality, of all things?
Anyway, just some thoughts this morning.
We’re all so so caught up with the world’s perspective on things…
I feel like we rarely consider God’s perspective. Especially of ourselves. In the view of the world, there’s always something we have to strive for - better body, another degree, more, money, a man. But with God, all we have to strive for is Him. And going after Him brings forth a greater reward than anything this world can give us.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.
What spawned that thought, though, was specifically in regards to our image. We’re never quite there spiritually (thankfully God loves us anyway), but physically, God sees us and thinks we’re perfect as we are. And it’s true.
And I might keep my mouth shut when someone calls a person “ugly”, but I really shouldn’t, because I think that’s the most horrible thing. So many people struggle with deep self-esteem issues because they can’t see how beautiful they really are and it’s this perception of “beauty vs ugly” that we willingly perpetuate that contributes to that to an extent. No one is ugly. I can honestly say that. And who are we to call one of God’s precious creations that?
I’ve had this experience a few times that was absolutely amazing where God allowed me to see people exactly as He sees them. And as my eyes scanned the room, I truly found every person I laid my eyes on as absolutely beautiful. And to know that’s how God sees everyone all the time - it was both unbelievable and convicting.
That’s how I need to see people all the time. That’s how we all need to. How can we embody the love of Christ we claim to follow if we’re shooting others down with judgments on their physicality, of all things?
Anyway, just some thoughts this morning.
Now I'm not really trying to get into politics here...
From March 1, 2011
But I can’t help but find it just a little ironic that so many Christians are vehemently opposed to the idea of socialism, considering the verse in Acts that I came across today:
Acts 4:32-35
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
Definitely can’t say I’m a socialist. Capitalism is what I’m used to, what I assumed was best, even though I am very much for the idea of the tax dollars of the rich going to help out the poor. So I guess I am on board with wealth distribution. But reading this, I couldn’t help but be struck with the idea that capitalism really isn’t a Christian ideal. Acts is often cited as the ideal example of what a Christian community is supposed to be like, and in this passage, all possessions are evenly distributed amongst the believers.
Now whether this could actually work in secular government - well, I necessarily don’t think so because it’s secular government, which is why I’m not really trying to drag politics into this. But I can’t help but feel like the Christians who subscribe passionately to the belief of capitalism in the terms of a secular government would not be able to give up that belief in terms of Christian community. It’s not just a switch that can be turned off, but rather something built up on the idea of “what’s mine is mine and no one else’s” when in reality, nothing is ours. All of it is God’s.
So if God blesses us with something, isn’t it the natural response to share it with others? And why does that act have to be limited to just non-believers? Why are we as supposed followers of Jesus - who lived on practically nothing while He was on earth - so selfish with our belongings and money? Why do we hold tight to our cash, refusing to give it to be who we think don’t deserve it because “they dug their own grave” or “they didn’t work hard enough”? If we are supposed to be filled with true, selfless love, why does that even matter? If anything, we should give because why need to do we have for worldly possessions anyway in light of what we have in God?
But I do realize that that passage refers specifically to a group of believers, not to an entire government system. But I just think if we should be willing to have that kind of attitude, regardless. I feel like, as Christians, we should definitely have the Robin Hood mentality. Because you may feel like you earned your money, but nope, you were blessed with it by God. I really don’t think it’s up to us to decide what we used what we’re blessed with for - I think it’s up to He who blessed us with it.
The books of Acts to me describes the ideal life. And reading that passage up there - oh, that sounds so amazing. See, I think one of the reasons for sharing all things like that is that it shows where these disciples’ true priority is. It’s not money or pride, but spreading the Word of God to all. They use money exactly as its meant to be used - to fulfill their basic needs, then they dedicate their lives to something much more important. Money is clearly not a concern of theirs. And if these believers are the ultimate epitome of believers - Jesus’ followers as their finest - then how come we don’t live like this? I say we, because I mean, I’m not either. It’s so interesting to think about it.
Because if you think about it, believer or non-believer, almost everybody exists day-by-day to make money. I don’t want that to drive my existence - no, not by any means. But we go to school to get into a good college to get a good job with good benefits so that once we’re done working for 40 years, we can have enough money to survive until we die. I can’t help but think about how much more could be accomplished with money removed from the equation. Which is hard, of course. Can’t live without food, can’t buy food without money. But I still think that our priorities could use some shifting. Our number one aim, the reason we should live, is to glorify God and spread the gospel. Like Matthew 6:33 says - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
So that’s what I strive for. I want to experience life like Acts. Sharing all my belongings and possessions with a group of believers (and the rest of the world) and pursuing God’s purpose and glory passionately with them. That’s my vision for my life in Hollywood. Christians who entertain using those talents and passions to bring people to the Lord. Living together in every sense of that word and giving away everything except what we absolutely need, and sharing in that together. That sounds like life perfected to me.
It’s a vision I’m going to believe in. One I’m gonna pray over. One I’m gonna pursue. Because I’m never gonna be happy if all I’m working for is money, and if I can’t share that I have with people.
I’m not sure if this is controversial haha I’m not really into arguing, but I felt the need to write this. Just really convicted about what God showed me through Acts, so I just wanted to share. And I am interested in people’s thoughts about this. But I’m not looking to argue. Just to see both agreeing and opposing opinions on the matter.
But I can’t help but find it just a little ironic that so many Christians are vehemently opposed to the idea of socialism, considering the verse in Acts that I came across today:
Acts 4:32-35
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
Definitely can’t say I’m a socialist. Capitalism is what I’m used to, what I assumed was best, even though I am very much for the idea of the tax dollars of the rich going to help out the poor. So I guess I am on board with wealth distribution. But reading this, I couldn’t help but be struck with the idea that capitalism really isn’t a Christian ideal. Acts is often cited as the ideal example of what a Christian community is supposed to be like, and in this passage, all possessions are evenly distributed amongst the believers.
Now whether this could actually work in secular government - well, I necessarily don’t think so because it’s secular government, which is why I’m not really trying to drag politics into this. But I can’t help but feel like the Christians who subscribe passionately to the belief of capitalism in the terms of a secular government would not be able to give up that belief in terms of Christian community. It’s not just a switch that can be turned off, but rather something built up on the idea of “what’s mine is mine and no one else’s” when in reality, nothing is ours. All of it is God’s.
So if God blesses us with something, isn’t it the natural response to share it with others? And why does that act have to be limited to just non-believers? Why are we as supposed followers of Jesus - who lived on practically nothing while He was on earth - so selfish with our belongings and money? Why do we hold tight to our cash, refusing to give it to be who we think don’t deserve it because “they dug their own grave” or “they didn’t work hard enough”? If we are supposed to be filled with true, selfless love, why does that even matter? If anything, we should give because why need to do we have for worldly possessions anyway in light of what we have in God?
But I do realize that that passage refers specifically to a group of believers, not to an entire government system. But I just think if we should be willing to have that kind of attitude, regardless. I feel like, as Christians, we should definitely have the Robin Hood mentality. Because you may feel like you earned your money, but nope, you were blessed with it by God. I really don’t think it’s up to us to decide what we used what we’re blessed with for - I think it’s up to He who blessed us with it.
The books of Acts to me describes the ideal life. And reading that passage up there - oh, that sounds so amazing. See, I think one of the reasons for sharing all things like that is that it shows where these disciples’ true priority is. It’s not money or pride, but spreading the Word of God to all. They use money exactly as its meant to be used - to fulfill their basic needs, then they dedicate their lives to something much more important. Money is clearly not a concern of theirs. And if these believers are the ultimate epitome of believers - Jesus’ followers as their finest - then how come we don’t live like this? I say we, because I mean, I’m not either. It’s so interesting to think about it.
Because if you think about it, believer or non-believer, almost everybody exists day-by-day to make money. I don’t want that to drive my existence - no, not by any means. But we go to school to get into a good college to get a good job with good benefits so that once we’re done working for 40 years, we can have enough money to survive until we die. I can’t help but think about how much more could be accomplished with money removed from the equation. Which is hard, of course. Can’t live without food, can’t buy food without money. But I still think that our priorities could use some shifting. Our number one aim, the reason we should live, is to glorify God and spread the gospel. Like Matthew 6:33 says - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
So that’s what I strive for. I want to experience life like Acts. Sharing all my belongings and possessions with a group of believers (and the rest of the world) and pursuing God’s purpose and glory passionately with them. That’s my vision for my life in Hollywood. Christians who entertain using those talents and passions to bring people to the Lord. Living together in every sense of that word and giving away everything except what we absolutely need, and sharing in that together. That sounds like life perfected to me.
It’s a vision I’m going to believe in. One I’m gonna pray over. One I’m gonna pursue. Because I’m never gonna be happy if all I’m working for is money, and if I can’t share that I have with people.
I’m not sure if this is controversial haha I’m not really into arguing, but I felt the need to write this. Just really convicted about what God showed me through Acts, so I just wanted to share. And I am interested in people’s thoughts about this. But I’m not looking to argue. Just to see both agreeing and opposing opinions on the matter.
God's Classroom
From May 6, 2011
Life with God is kind of like a classroom, right?
So if we’re gonna run wild with this metaphor - I was being a delinquent. Going to school, but not paying attention. Or skipping class. Yet foolishly wondering why I wasn’t making any progress on my school work. Why my report card was so mediocre, if even that? Telling myself “Oh, I’m pursuing God…but nothing’s happening”, when really, I was kind of half-assing it (I hate cursing in any extent, but I really don’t know a better term for that ha).
And then something happens, because you know, even if I’m not caring enough about my studies, God cares about how I’m doing. So in this drought I’m floundering through, He’s using it to slowly transform for me. Build me up towards something. And I’m not realizing it, still complaining about my grades and how nothing’s going on in my life, until it all comes to a head and an epiphany happens. And God uses something that’s ridiculous yet totally makes sense (like, I dunno, Demi Lovato) to smack me across the head and tell me in the nicest, most loving possible way, “You need to get it together. And here’s how.”
And he shows me a wealth of things. I am back in the classroom, attentively studying, learning so so so much from Him. And things finally feel right. My GPA is back up there. I’m enjoying life. With my new knowledge, everything is making sense once more.
But then after the lessons, the studying, everything that God’s teaching me comes the test. And things aren’t as peachy any more. The workload is getting kind of hard, and boy is it tempting to fall back into my old habits of not paying attention in class and skipping out.
But I can’t. Because this is the time where I put all of what I’ve learned into practice. And I will pass this test. And I will graduate into the awesome will that God has for my life. He just had to teach me a few things before I was ready to get there.
Kind of cool, right? Just dawned on me. Because it’s exam time for me (in the sense of this spiritual metaphor, seeing how I’m done with all the academic schooling I’ll ever do), and it’s kind of gotten a tiny bit hard again, especially in comparison to the high of learning lessons from God that I was just on. But you know, this is an open-book test (you know what Book I’m talking about), plus my Professor is sitting across the room the whole time if I need anything. It’ll take something of me, but I’ll pass this. With God, I can pass anything.
So can you. Keep faith when things get a little dark. Don’t forget all that God has showed you - it’ll get you through. Eyes on Him, and everything else just falls into place. That’s my rough paraphrasing of Matthew 6:33.
Life with God is kind of like a classroom, right?
So if we’re gonna run wild with this metaphor - I was being a delinquent. Going to school, but not paying attention. Or skipping class. Yet foolishly wondering why I wasn’t making any progress on my school work. Why my report card was so mediocre, if even that? Telling myself “Oh, I’m pursuing God…but nothing’s happening”, when really, I was kind of half-assing it (I hate cursing in any extent, but I really don’t know a better term for that ha).
And then something happens, because you know, even if I’m not caring enough about my studies, God cares about how I’m doing. So in this drought I’m floundering through, He’s using it to slowly transform for me. Build me up towards something. And I’m not realizing it, still complaining about my grades and how nothing’s going on in my life, until it all comes to a head and an epiphany happens. And God uses something that’s ridiculous yet totally makes sense (like, I dunno, Demi Lovato) to smack me across the head and tell me in the nicest, most loving possible way, “You need to get it together. And here’s how.”
And he shows me a wealth of things. I am back in the classroom, attentively studying, learning so so so much from Him. And things finally feel right. My GPA is back up there. I’m enjoying life. With my new knowledge, everything is making sense once more.
But then after the lessons, the studying, everything that God’s teaching me comes the test. And things aren’t as peachy any more. The workload is getting kind of hard, and boy is it tempting to fall back into my old habits of not paying attention in class and skipping out.
But I can’t. Because this is the time where I put all of what I’ve learned into practice. And I will pass this test. And I will graduate into the awesome will that God has for my life. He just had to teach me a few things before I was ready to get there.
Kind of cool, right? Just dawned on me. Because it’s exam time for me (in the sense of this spiritual metaphor, seeing how I’m done with all the academic schooling I’ll ever do), and it’s kind of gotten a tiny bit hard again, especially in comparison to the high of learning lessons from God that I was just on. But you know, this is an open-book test (you know what Book I’m talking about), plus my Professor is sitting across the room the whole time if I need anything. It’ll take something of me, but I’ll pass this. With God, I can pass anything.
So can you. Keep faith when things get a little dark. Don’t forget all that God has showed you - it’ll get you through. Eyes on Him, and everything else just falls into place. That’s my rough paraphrasing of Matthew 6:33.
What?! We’re supposed to LOVE our enemies?!
From May 10, 2011
Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
That passage never gets old. Well, nothing in the Bible ever gets old, but this is one of those things that every time I hear, it kind of feels like the first time. It’s just nice to always have those words at the forefront of my head.
With some of us Christians (myself being in that category), I think that the drunkenness, promiscuous sex, saying naughty words stuff - that’s “easy” to abstain from. But this “love your enemies business” - that’s what’s hard. ‘Cause it’s more than just saying “Oh yeah, I love them” and even more just trying to “feel” some sort of love towards them - it’s actually acting in a way that shows this love. Treating them as you would your very best friend, not having ill thoughts towards or saying bad things about them.
And you know, it’s hard to show love all the time towards people we actually like sometimes. Add a person that we have no reason whatsoever to like - wow. And it’s not just tolerating our enemies or refraining from retaliating against or bad talking them. It’s loving our enemies. Think about the things you do for someone who you find easy to love - then imagine treating someone who has screwed you over or just isn’t pleasant to be with that same exact way. And I mean, you love different people in different ways, but we’re called to show some sort of genuine love towards our enemies. And it’s hard because we often feel like we’re justified in not loving that person. And you know, maybe by some standard we are. But a big part of love is showing it to people who we may feel don’t deserve it. Jesus calls us beyond what is “justified” by the standards of this world.
A simple (using that world very loosely) way to start loving your enemies, I’ve found in my own experience, is just praying for them. It does take a lot of pride swallowing, but when you’re praying for someone, it becomes harder to bear ill will towards them. It’s humbling for yourself, beneficial towards said enemy, and helps get you into that loving mindset.
And you know, when you say “enemy”, the connotation of that is some evil person who’s out to ruin your life. But I think enemy just refers to anyone who you’re not inclined to immediately show love towards. That slightly annoying student in your class, that sort of friend who keeps on bailing out on you, the guy driving behind you riding your tail and the lady up ahead of you going 10 miles under as she talks on her cellphone. And everyone else in between. Because really, we’re just called to love everyone.
It does seem crazy, though, that we’re to treat those who scorn us the same way as we treat those who love us, but that’s Jesus for ya. That’s what He does for us when we turn our backs from Him, after all - still loves us, regardless. And just like that last verse from that passage up there says: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Lastly, here’s a cool word: magnanimous - very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful than oneself.
Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
That passage never gets old. Well, nothing in the Bible ever gets old, but this is one of those things that every time I hear, it kind of feels like the first time. It’s just nice to always have those words at the forefront of my head.
With some of us Christians (myself being in that category), I think that the drunkenness, promiscuous sex, saying naughty words stuff - that’s “easy” to abstain from. But this “love your enemies business” - that’s what’s hard. ‘Cause it’s more than just saying “Oh yeah, I love them” and even more just trying to “feel” some sort of love towards them - it’s actually acting in a way that shows this love. Treating them as you would your very best friend, not having ill thoughts towards or saying bad things about them.
And you know, it’s hard to show love all the time towards people we actually like sometimes. Add a person that we have no reason whatsoever to like - wow. And it’s not just tolerating our enemies or refraining from retaliating against or bad talking them. It’s loving our enemies. Think about the things you do for someone who you find easy to love - then imagine treating someone who has screwed you over or just isn’t pleasant to be with that same exact way. And I mean, you love different people in different ways, but we’re called to show some sort of genuine love towards our enemies. And it’s hard because we often feel like we’re justified in not loving that person. And you know, maybe by some standard we are. But a big part of love is showing it to people who we may feel don’t deserve it. Jesus calls us beyond what is “justified” by the standards of this world.
A simple (using that world very loosely) way to start loving your enemies, I’ve found in my own experience, is just praying for them. It does take a lot of pride swallowing, but when you’re praying for someone, it becomes harder to bear ill will towards them. It’s humbling for yourself, beneficial towards said enemy, and helps get you into that loving mindset.
And you know, when you say “enemy”, the connotation of that is some evil person who’s out to ruin your life. But I think enemy just refers to anyone who you’re not inclined to immediately show love towards. That slightly annoying student in your class, that sort of friend who keeps on bailing out on you, the guy driving behind you riding your tail and the lady up ahead of you going 10 miles under as she talks on her cellphone. And everyone else in between. Because really, we’re just called to love everyone.
It does seem crazy, though, that we’re to treat those who scorn us the same way as we treat those who love us, but that’s Jesus for ya. That’s what He does for us when we turn our backs from Him, after all - still loves us, regardless. And just like that last verse from that passage up there says: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Lastly, here’s a cool word: magnanimous - very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful than oneself.
I Will Live By This
From August 15, 2011
I will live by this.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
And this:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
We can be doing everything “right”, treating everybody “right”, living the “holiest” of lives, but if we aren’t sharing this transforming love of Jesus that we’ve been so blessed to experience, then what’s the point? We might as well already be in heaven.
But we’re still here. Because we’ve gotta be selfless. We’ve experienced the amazing Salvation of Jesus Christ - so with love, we’ve gotta share it with as many people as possible. What is life but showing and sharing the love of Christ Jesus?
And people get so touchy about it nowadays - so afraid to cross a line, to “shove” it down a person’s throat. And no, I don’t think holding up picket signs proclaiming eternal damnation is the way to go about things - I see a distinct lack of love and personal touch in something like that. But when you really like a song, a movie, or anything like that, do we not recommend it to our friends? So why would our faith be any different? I’ve seen the wonders it’s done in my life - I want to share that with as many people as I can.
I’m not afraid of crossing lines or rejection. I also don’t want to drive anyone away with abrasiveness and haughtiness. I just know there’s no love like that of Jesus Christ’s. So humbly and with love, I am going to do all that I can to live out the commission Jesus gave to the disciples before His ascension. Because that’s what makes sense to me. Helping people and sharing the Gospel.
Because at the end of the day, this is a matter of life and death. So God please help me to be a true steward of Yours, so that I may share your love in every way I can, so that people may come to know You like I have.
Moving out to California in 12 days, those verses up there are some of the ones I’m going to keep particularly close to my heart. Yes, I’m going out there to pursue a dream I’ve had for six years, but mainly, I’m going out there to live a mission. To do the work of God and make some sort of tangible difference in the industry I’m getting into. And I have to set my perspective straight - this isn’t about fame, fortune, accolades, or any other measure of worldly success. It’s about taking these talents I’ve been blessed with and using them to share this amazing love I’ve come to know. This is about following God’s will, helping people, and glorifying Him. That’s all this has to be about.
I will live by this.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
And this:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
We can be doing everything “right”, treating everybody “right”, living the “holiest” of lives, but if we aren’t sharing this transforming love of Jesus that we’ve been so blessed to experience, then what’s the point? We might as well already be in heaven.
But we’re still here. Because we’ve gotta be selfless. We’ve experienced the amazing Salvation of Jesus Christ - so with love, we’ve gotta share it with as many people as possible. What is life but showing and sharing the love of Christ Jesus?
And people get so touchy about it nowadays - so afraid to cross a line, to “shove” it down a person’s throat. And no, I don’t think holding up picket signs proclaiming eternal damnation is the way to go about things - I see a distinct lack of love and personal touch in something like that. But when you really like a song, a movie, or anything like that, do we not recommend it to our friends? So why would our faith be any different? I’ve seen the wonders it’s done in my life - I want to share that with as many people as I can.
I’m not afraid of crossing lines or rejection. I also don’t want to drive anyone away with abrasiveness and haughtiness. I just know there’s no love like that of Jesus Christ’s. So humbly and with love, I am going to do all that I can to live out the commission Jesus gave to the disciples before His ascension. Because that’s what makes sense to me. Helping people and sharing the Gospel.
Because at the end of the day, this is a matter of life and death. So God please help me to be a true steward of Yours, so that I may share your love in every way I can, so that people may come to know You like I have.
Moving out to California in 12 days, those verses up there are some of the ones I’m going to keep particularly close to my heart. Yes, I’m going out there to pursue a dream I’ve had for six years, but mainly, I’m going out there to live a mission. To do the work of God and make some sort of tangible difference in the industry I’m getting into. And I have to set my perspective straight - this isn’t about fame, fortune, accolades, or any other measure of worldly success. It’s about taking these talents I’ve been blessed with and using them to share this amazing love I’ve come to know. This is about following God’s will, helping people, and glorifying Him. That’s all this has to be about.
Deny Yourself
From August 18, 2011
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
(Matthew 16:24)
Denying oneself. Isn’t that the hardest part? Giving up all these things of the flesh, of a former life - both big and small. Actually, it’s the smallest things that seem the hardest. The things you try to justify - “Well, it’s not like I’m killing people/doing drugs/doing some heinous thing. It’s just this one little thing…”
But every little thing counts. And at the end of the day, I don’t want anything - no matter how seemingly small - keeping me from true discipleship with Christ. So I must truly deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Him,
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
(Matthew 16:24)
Denying oneself. Isn’t that the hardest part? Giving up all these things of the flesh, of a former life - both big and small. Actually, it’s the smallest things that seem the hardest. The things you try to justify - “Well, it’s not like I’m killing people/doing drugs/doing some heinous thing. It’s just this one little thing…”
But every little thing counts. And at the end of the day, I don’t want anything - no matter how seemingly small - keeping me from true discipleship with Christ. So I must truly deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Him,
So let’s talk about serving. Because it’s important.
From August 20, 2011
It’s something that’s always been on my heart, but really strongly as of late. Of course there are many ways one can serve many different people, and I believe as Christians we should just always be in the mindset of servitude, as stated in Philippians 2:3-5 :
Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only in his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus
But I want to talk specifically on serving those who are less fortunate. Mainly to just implore people to just get out there and give of themselves to others. Chances are, if you’re able to access facebook/twitter/tumblr right now, then you are much better off than a lot of people. The statistics out there are staggering of people living in poverty, people who can’t afford food - and people like to highlight children in Africa, who are no doubt important, but there are people right there in your own community who need so much.
And fact of the matter is, not enough people are helping them. Even sadder - not enough Christians are helping them, and this is what we’re called to do. Our priorities are seriously messed up sometimes as believers - yes, yes, yes, it’s completely important to just even have a belief in Jesus and to follow His commandments, but what are His greatest commandments? To love Him and then to love others. (Matthew 22:34-39). And how do we do that? Very simply - serve.
In fact, serving others covers both of those commandments up there. “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40 - I recommended that whole passage actually). And for as encouraging it is to see people coming together to serve and feed those in need, it’s just as frustrating to see so many others pass them by.
I live in a decent sized city - but nothing too big at all. And there’s this one street that stretches across most of the city, but the most popular area of it stretches about 3 miles. And in just that three mile stretch, my best friend and I saw seven different people out there, with signs asking for help.
And maybe it’s me, but that just struck me so hard - seven different people, standing out in this hot hot NC weather, laying themselves at the mercy of people driving by to provide them with a little bit of help. And the tragic truth is that there isn’t much mercy going around these days.
And it’s not a haughty thing, it’s not a self-righteous thing - I just simply don’t understand how people cannot stop and give a little. Now I know it’s more to it than that, but I think if we really looked at the excuses we made, we’d find them either flimsy or just not important when we look at the big picture. Now if you don’t have any cash on you (goodness knows I hardly ever carry cash - bad habit, by the way) and have a meeting you’re heading to in 5 minutes, then fine. And not that I expect everyone to do what my friend and I did today - go out there with food and water with the intentions of giving it out - because it was premeditated, not us just randomly driving down the street. But it’s still disconcerting to me to be out there and see how many cars go by without a glance or consideration. And I have a hard time believing that every single person had a good excuse not to even give a little bit.
And I know, I know - “how do I know that these ‘homeless’ out there are legit? How do I know they’re not gonna spend the money I give them on alcohol? I rather give my money to an organization where I know what my money is being used for.”
Somewhat legitimate concerns. Sort of. And I get it. But I think there is something to be said for immediate service. Because you can go home after you see those people on the streets and donate to your favorite organization a sizable donation, but in the mean time, those people are still standing out in the hot sun, no doubt hungry, probably a little bit dehydrating.
Secondly, I agree that it’s better to give something like food than money. But that’s also because I don’t really put much stock in money, period - in general, I personally would rather be handed a sandwich than a $5 bill haha And giving food also really speaks to their direct needs in a more immediate way. But I don’t think that’s to say that if you don’t have any food on you that you shouldn’t still give them some cash.
Here’s the deal. “How do I know they actually need this money and aren’t scamming me?” How many people are going to stand out in 90 degree weather on a busy street, swallowing all pride to beg if they don’t need it? I don’t care about that one story you heard about the guy who asked for money then got into a Mercedes a few minutes later - even if that did happen, I’m sure that’s a one in a million scenario. Fact of the matter is, to stand out there asking for help like that, you either have to be at least a little crazy or you have to actually really need that help because it’s your last resort. So I think there’s a very high chance that the people out there legitimately need help.
Next question - “How do I know they won’t spend their money on booze?” You don’t. You can assume, guess, give benefits of the doubt, but you really really don’t know. But God doesn’t call us to serve, but only under certain conditions. God doesn’t tell us to help … but only in these cases. We’re called to love and serve people, and what that person does with your money is between them and God. So let’s not worry about that so much and just do what we’re called to do. Because I highly doubt that when the events of Matthew 25:31-46 take place, God’s going to say, “So yeah, what you did to the least of these, you did it to Me…except that one guy bought alcohol with your money, so tsk tsk, you shouldn’t have given him money - go stand to left because of that.”
I think we’re supposed to fully adopt a true servant’s heart, and if we let God live through us and are compelled and motivated to do His service, then details like “what are they going use this for?” don’t really matter. And we can just find joy in being able to invest in the life of someone who really needs it.
I just really don’t think there’s any real excuse not to give, at least in someway. I used to struggle with this mindset of “Well, I don’t have much to give now, but when I eventually do get money - that’s when I’ll give.” But here’s the thing - first off, as believers, we have this guarantee that all of our needs will be provided for (Matthew 6:25-34 comes to mind - one of my favorites, actually). They absolutely will be met, and I’m very inclined to believe that they especially will if we’re giving (Proverbs 19:17). Now I don’t like the idea of doing good for the sake of reward. I just don’t think that should be the motivation at all, but the fact is, we will be rewarded for our deeds.
And there have been times that I was far from set financially, living off of the absolute bare minimal - having enough food especially was a concern for me - and as a result, I was certainly reluctant to give the little I had to someone else. But the thing is, there’s always someone who needs it more than I do. I wasn’t the worst off I could’ve been, and God kept on continually providing for my needs, so there really was no excuse for me to not give. And often times, God has used a brother or sister in Christ to provide for my needs, so I think that goes full circle, and He can in turn use me to provide for another’s needs. There’s a particular passage that I love because it motivates me to keep in this mindset:
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And He said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Luke 21:1-4
I heard someone say once, “If you don’t give when you have a little, you won’t give when you have a lot either.” Which I don’t necessarily believe is entirely untrue, but I think it’s important to be in the habit now, regardless of income. Because if anything, you certainly will continue to give, and even more so, when you do have a lot, if you’re already in the habit of giving when you have a little. And I think that just forms a good kind of relationship with money if you give when you have a little - shows less of a dependency on cash, and more on God. But I’m straying a little here.
This is long, I realize, but I just really want more people to get out there and serve. Capitalism is such a frustrating institution - it screws over a lot of people, and the government has kind of be trying, but the right amount of help just doesn’t get to every single person who needs it. And every bit of legislation that gets turned down that could help people living in poverty frustrates me so much, but then I realize - I’m not gonna put this in the hands of the government. We lived in a flawed world with flawed institutions. Instead, I’m gonna put this in the hands of Jesus and His principles. And we can go out there and help people ourselves - every little thing counts. Like that story about the poor widow - even if we don’t have much, people have much less - let’s serve and give all we can.
Of course, as Christians, I feel like the call of service doesn’t stop at just giving people some food and money and calling it a day, but also really investing in their lives, personally showing them love, engaging with them, and yes, sharing the Gospel. I haven’t done this myself in my recent time serving the homeless, but I want to change that, because I think it’s so important. It’s hard when you’re literally driving by in the midst of on-going traffic to give some food, but I would love to just talk to these people, out of love - I’m sure they’d appreciate it, too. So I guess in addition to serving, I would implore everyone to talk to the people they serve, too. That’s what I’m gonna focus on doing.
I hope this didn’t come off as pretentious or anything. Matthew 6:3, after all. But I just felt like maybe if I shared a little bit my feelings on serving and such that it could help encourage people to go out there and serve as well. I just have these moments after God has giving me the opportunity to help someone of this kind of peace of, “This is what life is”, you know? It’s what makes sense to me, more than anything - God has us here as believers for a reason. We’re gonna be fine, you know - but not everyone else has that luxury of knowing that, so I think it’s on us to go out and help them be fine. Both in their physical needs and in their spiritual ones.
So I really just implore you - please the next time you see a homeless person or anyone just out on the street asking for help (because they’re not all homeless, persay but that doesn’t mean they aren’t living in intense poverty), don’t pass them by. Even if you have loose change on you - anything really to show to love of Jesus to someone who needs so much.
And I definitely would encourage anyone to go out there to intentionally serve these people. It’s just such a great thing - not in the “oh, I’m so great for doing this” sort of way. Not at all. But just to see the genuine, grateful smiles of these people, to be so close to God’s heart in those moments, to be able to share in that with my best friend, to know the blessing of God being able to use me for His purpose. It’s humbling, it’s enlightening, it’s meaningful, and it’s peaceful. There’s such a simple, but true joy to be found in that. As there is when following any of God’s commandments.
And to be able to come back home, knowing that someone’s day is a little better in the midst of hardships they have to endure - it makes me feel really good. Not about myself, but for them.
It really is such a shame, all the people out there going through so much, struggling for even their basic needs - the things we all take for granted so much. So I just think of the big difference that could be made if all of us consciously gave more and served more. I’m not a big financial knowledge person, so I don’t know if there actually is enough money to go around to provide for everyone, but I certainly know it could evened out some.
Last thing that’s sort of related - don’t waste food. Please just don’t. Get a doggy bag and eat it later or something, but just seeing how the people I saw today reacted to a $1 chicken sandwich and comparing that to the amount of uneaten food people left on their tables at the last job I worked at - it’s just ridiculous.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:14-17
God bless.
It’s something that’s always been on my heart, but really strongly as of late. Of course there are many ways one can serve many different people, and I believe as Christians we should just always be in the mindset of servitude, as stated in Philippians 2:3-5 :
Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only in his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus
But I want to talk specifically on serving those who are less fortunate. Mainly to just implore people to just get out there and give of themselves to others. Chances are, if you’re able to access facebook/twitter/tumblr right now, then you are much better off than a lot of people. The statistics out there are staggering of people living in poverty, people who can’t afford food - and people like to highlight children in Africa, who are no doubt important, but there are people right there in your own community who need so much.
And fact of the matter is, not enough people are helping them. Even sadder - not enough Christians are helping them, and this is what we’re called to do. Our priorities are seriously messed up sometimes as believers - yes, yes, yes, it’s completely important to just even have a belief in Jesus and to follow His commandments, but what are His greatest commandments? To love Him and then to love others. (Matthew 22:34-39). And how do we do that? Very simply - serve.
In fact, serving others covers both of those commandments up there. “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40 - I recommended that whole passage actually). And for as encouraging it is to see people coming together to serve and feed those in need, it’s just as frustrating to see so many others pass them by.
I live in a decent sized city - but nothing too big at all. And there’s this one street that stretches across most of the city, but the most popular area of it stretches about 3 miles. And in just that three mile stretch, my best friend and I saw seven different people out there, with signs asking for help.
And maybe it’s me, but that just struck me so hard - seven different people, standing out in this hot hot NC weather, laying themselves at the mercy of people driving by to provide them with a little bit of help. And the tragic truth is that there isn’t much mercy going around these days.
And it’s not a haughty thing, it’s not a self-righteous thing - I just simply don’t understand how people cannot stop and give a little. Now I know it’s more to it than that, but I think if we really looked at the excuses we made, we’d find them either flimsy or just not important when we look at the big picture. Now if you don’t have any cash on you (goodness knows I hardly ever carry cash - bad habit, by the way) and have a meeting you’re heading to in 5 minutes, then fine. And not that I expect everyone to do what my friend and I did today - go out there with food and water with the intentions of giving it out - because it was premeditated, not us just randomly driving down the street. But it’s still disconcerting to me to be out there and see how many cars go by without a glance or consideration. And I have a hard time believing that every single person had a good excuse not to even give a little bit.
And I know, I know - “how do I know that these ‘homeless’ out there are legit? How do I know they’re not gonna spend the money I give them on alcohol? I rather give my money to an organization where I know what my money is being used for.”
Somewhat legitimate concerns. Sort of. And I get it. But I think there is something to be said for immediate service. Because you can go home after you see those people on the streets and donate to your favorite organization a sizable donation, but in the mean time, those people are still standing out in the hot sun, no doubt hungry, probably a little bit dehydrating.
Secondly, I agree that it’s better to give something like food than money. But that’s also because I don’t really put much stock in money, period - in general, I personally would rather be handed a sandwich than a $5 bill haha And giving food also really speaks to their direct needs in a more immediate way. But I don’t think that’s to say that if you don’t have any food on you that you shouldn’t still give them some cash.
Here’s the deal. “How do I know they actually need this money and aren’t scamming me?” How many people are going to stand out in 90 degree weather on a busy street, swallowing all pride to beg if they don’t need it? I don’t care about that one story you heard about the guy who asked for money then got into a Mercedes a few minutes later - even if that did happen, I’m sure that’s a one in a million scenario. Fact of the matter is, to stand out there asking for help like that, you either have to be at least a little crazy or you have to actually really need that help because it’s your last resort. So I think there’s a very high chance that the people out there legitimately need help.
Next question - “How do I know they won’t spend their money on booze?” You don’t. You can assume, guess, give benefits of the doubt, but you really really don’t know. But God doesn’t call us to serve, but only under certain conditions. God doesn’t tell us to help … but only in these cases. We’re called to love and serve people, and what that person does with your money is between them and God. So let’s not worry about that so much and just do what we’re called to do. Because I highly doubt that when the events of Matthew 25:31-46 take place, God’s going to say, “So yeah, what you did to the least of these, you did it to Me…except that one guy bought alcohol with your money, so tsk tsk, you shouldn’t have given him money - go stand to left because of that.”
I think we’re supposed to fully adopt a true servant’s heart, and if we let God live through us and are compelled and motivated to do His service, then details like “what are they going use this for?” don’t really matter. And we can just find joy in being able to invest in the life of someone who really needs it.
I just really don’t think there’s any real excuse not to give, at least in someway. I used to struggle with this mindset of “Well, I don’t have much to give now, but when I eventually do get money - that’s when I’ll give.” But here’s the thing - first off, as believers, we have this guarantee that all of our needs will be provided for (Matthew 6:25-34 comes to mind - one of my favorites, actually). They absolutely will be met, and I’m very inclined to believe that they especially will if we’re giving (Proverbs 19:17). Now I don’t like the idea of doing good for the sake of reward. I just don’t think that should be the motivation at all, but the fact is, we will be rewarded for our deeds.
And there have been times that I was far from set financially, living off of the absolute bare minimal - having enough food especially was a concern for me - and as a result, I was certainly reluctant to give the little I had to someone else. But the thing is, there’s always someone who needs it more than I do. I wasn’t the worst off I could’ve been, and God kept on continually providing for my needs, so there really was no excuse for me to not give. And often times, God has used a brother or sister in Christ to provide for my needs, so I think that goes full circle, and He can in turn use me to provide for another’s needs. There’s a particular passage that I love because it motivates me to keep in this mindset:
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And He said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Luke 21:1-4
I heard someone say once, “If you don’t give when you have a little, you won’t give when you have a lot either.” Which I don’t necessarily believe is entirely untrue, but I think it’s important to be in the habit now, regardless of income. Because if anything, you certainly will continue to give, and even more so, when you do have a lot, if you’re already in the habit of giving when you have a little. And I think that just forms a good kind of relationship with money if you give when you have a little - shows less of a dependency on cash, and more on God. But I’m straying a little here.
This is long, I realize, but I just really want more people to get out there and serve. Capitalism is such a frustrating institution - it screws over a lot of people, and the government has kind of be trying, but the right amount of help just doesn’t get to every single person who needs it. And every bit of legislation that gets turned down that could help people living in poverty frustrates me so much, but then I realize - I’m not gonna put this in the hands of the government. We lived in a flawed world with flawed institutions. Instead, I’m gonna put this in the hands of Jesus and His principles. And we can go out there and help people ourselves - every little thing counts. Like that story about the poor widow - even if we don’t have much, people have much less - let’s serve and give all we can.
Of course, as Christians, I feel like the call of service doesn’t stop at just giving people some food and money and calling it a day, but also really investing in their lives, personally showing them love, engaging with them, and yes, sharing the Gospel. I haven’t done this myself in my recent time serving the homeless, but I want to change that, because I think it’s so important. It’s hard when you’re literally driving by in the midst of on-going traffic to give some food, but I would love to just talk to these people, out of love - I’m sure they’d appreciate it, too. So I guess in addition to serving, I would implore everyone to talk to the people they serve, too. That’s what I’m gonna focus on doing.
I hope this didn’t come off as pretentious or anything. Matthew 6:3, after all. But I just felt like maybe if I shared a little bit my feelings on serving and such that it could help encourage people to go out there and serve as well. I just have these moments after God has giving me the opportunity to help someone of this kind of peace of, “This is what life is”, you know? It’s what makes sense to me, more than anything - God has us here as believers for a reason. We’re gonna be fine, you know - but not everyone else has that luxury of knowing that, so I think it’s on us to go out and help them be fine. Both in their physical needs and in their spiritual ones.
So I really just implore you - please the next time you see a homeless person or anyone just out on the street asking for help (because they’re not all homeless, persay but that doesn’t mean they aren’t living in intense poverty), don’t pass them by. Even if you have loose change on you - anything really to show to love of Jesus to someone who needs so much.
And I definitely would encourage anyone to go out there to intentionally serve these people. It’s just such a great thing - not in the “oh, I’m so great for doing this” sort of way. Not at all. But just to see the genuine, grateful smiles of these people, to be so close to God’s heart in those moments, to be able to share in that with my best friend, to know the blessing of God being able to use me for His purpose. It’s humbling, it’s enlightening, it’s meaningful, and it’s peaceful. There’s such a simple, but true joy to be found in that. As there is when following any of God’s commandments.
And to be able to come back home, knowing that someone’s day is a little better in the midst of hardships they have to endure - it makes me feel really good. Not about myself, but for them.
It really is such a shame, all the people out there going through so much, struggling for even their basic needs - the things we all take for granted so much. So I just think of the big difference that could be made if all of us consciously gave more and served more. I’m not a big financial knowledge person, so I don’t know if there actually is enough money to go around to provide for everyone, but I certainly know it could evened out some.
Last thing that’s sort of related - don’t waste food. Please just don’t. Get a doggy bag and eat it later or something, but just seeing how the people I saw today reacted to a $1 chicken sandwich and comparing that to the amount of uneaten food people left on their tables at the last job I worked at - it’s just ridiculous.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:14-17
God bless.
You Know Why I'm Not Into Occupy Wall Street?
From November 18, 2011
Because I don’t put my faith in the government. And I know that everybody doesn’t have that luxury.
But they could.
Matthew 6:25-33
Philippians 4:19
So yeah, there’s debt from my incredibly expensive college education lurking around back there (thank goodness for forbearance). Yeah, I’m currently unemployed. Sure, I’m in the 99% or whatever. But I’m completely fine. And I’m gonna be fine.
And it could always be worse. It’s ironic to me the kinds of people for the most part backing this movement. So many people are getting screwed over by our system, yes - but the ones protesting are shooting videos of the action with their iPhones, and it’s so hard to be sympathetic to that when there are people who have no idea that Occupy Wall Street is going on because they’re starving somewhere in Africa.
Or starving somewhere right down the street from me.
And I’m sure there are homeless people involved in the Occupy Wall Street movement, so I’d hate to be the one to generalize when I honestly don’t know too too much about what exactly is going on, but here, I find this article to be very interesting: http://theweek.com/article/index/220968/does-occupy-wall-street-have-a-homeless-problem
I just feel like the ones who are most desperate, the ones who actually have the most right to complain about their situations are the ones not causing a ruckus in New York City because they’re too busy trying to figure out where their next meal is coming from. They’re more likely to hold up signs that say “hungry” than “Occupy Wall Street!”, and it’s not that I’m not sympathetic to what Occupy Wall Street stands for - I am - but I admit that I am quite wary as to what this method is actually accomplishing.
I feel like it’s the cool thing in our generation to be revolutionary, but it’s less of being revolutionary for a purpose, but more so just for the sake of being seen as some cool revolutionary. If that makes sense haha I feel like at this point, the flaws and corruption of this system are so deeply rooted that pissing off a bunch of rich people is not going to make any difference.
Which is why I’m not holding out hope that our government can change. But I am living on the hope that my God will provide for me. And the Occupy Wall Street movement is protesting greed, but I find the whole movement in itself to be quite self focused. It’s the 99% wanting the money that the 1% has - is that not just another form of greed?
The issue is that we all - whether we’re filthy rich or terribly poor - put all of our stock in money, as if all of the answers to life and our true happiness lie in it, and it doesn’t at all. And whether you have a lot of it or none of it, you’re eventually just going to die and it won’t matter anyway. That’s why we have to put our stock in something else. There’s a greater purpose out there - it’s not money, it’s the love of Jesus, and there’s enough to go around plenty for everyone.
And I don’t have much money at all, but I am so satisfied with my life simply because I have Him. Money doesn’t matter. People will try to call me a liar, try to debate that, but it doesn’t. I find that all of my needs always end up being provided, and I don’t have to protest or covet anyone else’s money. I’m taken care of. Putting my trust in Jesus has proven to be the best thing for my life.
So let the rich keep their money. It’s not going to benefit them in the grave, I’ll tell you that much. Is it right for them to hoard the money to themselves? I certainly don’t think so, but you can’t put your faith in humankind because that will absolutely fail you. That’s why I’ve practically abandoned politics, because Republican or Democrat, it’s all corrupt, it’s all flawed, and as much as I want to believe in a system that will equally cater to every single person they’re supposed to represent and protect - regardless of class - I know too much greed and selfishness exist in this convoluted bureaucracy for that to ever truly happen. So I’ll just do my part - instead of trying to depend on the government to help those in need, I’ll just give what I can, hope others do the same, and pray through it all, knowing that my God will be faithful.
I don’t know if this is too controversial or not. And I don’t claim to know all I should about Occupy Wall Street and all of those involved. I just know that I don’t feel the need to protest, because my life is not in the hands of those on Wall Street, contrary to popular belief.
And I also believe we need to keep the right perspective about this. We fall so easily into this “oh, poor little me!” trap, when in reality, most of us are far more blessed than we ever realize. We gotta check ourselves. Are we just mad at the rich because they have more than us and we want more, too? Because that makes us just like them. Not saying that’s the case with everyone - but we just gotta check ourselves. You don’t have to be rich to be greedy.
That’s all. Not looking to incite anything or to shove my beliefs down anyone’s throat or even looking for people agreeing with me. That’s just been mulling around my head, so I wrote it. The end.
Because I don’t put my faith in the government. And I know that everybody doesn’t have that luxury.
But they could.
Matthew 6:25-33
Philippians 4:19
So yeah, there’s debt from my incredibly expensive college education lurking around back there (thank goodness for forbearance). Yeah, I’m currently unemployed. Sure, I’m in the 99% or whatever. But I’m completely fine. And I’m gonna be fine.
And it could always be worse. It’s ironic to me the kinds of people for the most part backing this movement. So many people are getting screwed over by our system, yes - but the ones protesting are shooting videos of the action with their iPhones, and it’s so hard to be sympathetic to that when there are people who have no idea that Occupy Wall Street is going on because they’re starving somewhere in Africa.
Or starving somewhere right down the street from me.
And I’m sure there are homeless people involved in the Occupy Wall Street movement, so I’d hate to be the one to generalize when I honestly don’t know too too much about what exactly is going on, but here, I find this article to be very interesting: http://theweek.com/article/index/220968/does-occupy-wall-street-have-a-homeless-problem
I just feel like the ones who are most desperate, the ones who actually have the most right to complain about their situations are the ones not causing a ruckus in New York City because they’re too busy trying to figure out where their next meal is coming from. They’re more likely to hold up signs that say “hungry” than “Occupy Wall Street!”, and it’s not that I’m not sympathetic to what Occupy Wall Street stands for - I am - but I admit that I am quite wary as to what this method is actually accomplishing.
I feel like it’s the cool thing in our generation to be revolutionary, but it’s less of being revolutionary for a purpose, but more so just for the sake of being seen as some cool revolutionary. If that makes sense haha I feel like at this point, the flaws and corruption of this system are so deeply rooted that pissing off a bunch of rich people is not going to make any difference.
Which is why I’m not holding out hope that our government can change. But I am living on the hope that my God will provide for me. And the Occupy Wall Street movement is protesting greed, but I find the whole movement in itself to be quite self focused. It’s the 99% wanting the money that the 1% has - is that not just another form of greed?
The issue is that we all - whether we’re filthy rich or terribly poor - put all of our stock in money, as if all of the answers to life and our true happiness lie in it, and it doesn’t at all. And whether you have a lot of it or none of it, you’re eventually just going to die and it won’t matter anyway. That’s why we have to put our stock in something else. There’s a greater purpose out there - it’s not money, it’s the love of Jesus, and there’s enough to go around plenty for everyone.
And I don’t have much money at all, but I am so satisfied with my life simply because I have Him. Money doesn’t matter. People will try to call me a liar, try to debate that, but it doesn’t. I find that all of my needs always end up being provided, and I don’t have to protest or covet anyone else’s money. I’m taken care of. Putting my trust in Jesus has proven to be the best thing for my life.
So let the rich keep their money. It’s not going to benefit them in the grave, I’ll tell you that much. Is it right for them to hoard the money to themselves? I certainly don’t think so, but you can’t put your faith in humankind because that will absolutely fail you. That’s why I’ve practically abandoned politics, because Republican or Democrat, it’s all corrupt, it’s all flawed, and as much as I want to believe in a system that will equally cater to every single person they’re supposed to represent and protect - regardless of class - I know too much greed and selfishness exist in this convoluted bureaucracy for that to ever truly happen. So I’ll just do my part - instead of trying to depend on the government to help those in need, I’ll just give what I can, hope others do the same, and pray through it all, knowing that my God will be faithful.
I don’t know if this is too controversial or not. And I don’t claim to know all I should about Occupy Wall Street and all of those involved. I just know that I don’t feel the need to protest, because my life is not in the hands of those on Wall Street, contrary to popular belief.
And I also believe we need to keep the right perspective about this. We fall so easily into this “oh, poor little me!” trap, when in reality, most of us are far more blessed than we ever realize. We gotta check ourselves. Are we just mad at the rich because they have more than us and we want more, too? Because that makes us just like them. Not saying that’s the case with everyone - but we just gotta check ourselves. You don’t have to be rich to be greedy.
That’s all. Not looking to incite anything or to shove my beliefs down anyone’s throat or even looking for people agreeing with me. That’s just been mulling around my head, so I wrote it. The end.
Judging people by their possessions is so messed up.
From November 27, 2011
As if what we have is an actual indication of the kind of person we are. It’s disgusting that people will see a person driving a Ford Focus then a person driving a BMW, and automatically deem the latter as someone more worthwhile solely because of the car he or she is driving.
Cars don’t last forever. Nowhere close. Moral fiber, however…
Beth was telling me about this twitter account she followed that said people who drive a Focus, a Fiat, or a Prius suck and thus deserve to be tailgated … wait, what?! So Beth responded to this person, and I retweeted Beth’s retort with three different twitter accounts (don’t ask why I have access to so many counts. Just accept it as it is)…needless to say, this girl got the hint and deleted the offensive tweet.
Perusing this girl’s twitter a little later, I see that she has tweeted the following ridiculousness:
"It's twitter. If you become offended by a tweet then you are an idiot and feel free to unfollow at anytime."
As if twitter justifies diminishing the value of our fellow human because of the car they drive! I wasn’t personally offended, but if I’m an idiot for being concerned on the behalf of people who could be offended, then so be it! I believe in treating all people with love and certainly being sympathetic to their situations, not subscribing to some ridiculous class system where people with a “lower end” car deserve to be pestered and ostracized for no good reason!
It just bothers me that some people feel so entitled, and because of what? That things happened to go their way? Plenty of people work so hard every single day - some people end up with millions, but most end up driving their Focuses to their 9-5 job, trying to provide for themselves and their family. Possessions mean nothing where it counts. There are so many things I want to be rich in…money is not one of them. Especially not at the expense of how I treat others.
Also, we deserve nothing. So how can we think of ourselves as better for possessing something that is a gift from God? I think we should feel so humbled when blessed with something…not self-entitled.
I grew up rather…well off. Upper middle class, certainly. And not even realizing it. Then that all faded away, because money is fickle, and you’ll have a lot of it one year, then two years later, you’re hoping you stay healthy, because you don’t have health insurance and wouldn’t be able to afford a hospital visit. And what counts in those moments when what you used to have isn’t there anymore? What defines you as a person - where is your worth? If it’s in materials, then you’re screwed. You’re no one.
And I’m grateful to be in a position where things don’t come easy. To have to drive a piece of crap car until it was unusable. To have to eat the same thing every single day because I couldn’t afford variety. To be far from luxury, because it has given me a grander perspective on what really matters and what counts. You can’t see yourself as better than anyone else when you’re close to the bottom. And you can’t depend on possessions to characterize your joy or your essence.
My experiences have opened a deeper compassion in my heart. Most importantly, it has drilled into my head that God is most important. For my needs, for my joy, for my identity - everything is found in Him.
It drives me crazy, how people are judged for what they have, or rather what they don’t have. Can’t we just realize that what we have makes us no better or no worse than anyone else? Can’t we see that the essence of life is absolutely not found in what we have?
And if we are blessed with possessions, how about we stop hoarding them and give to these people who have less than us instead of judging them for it? It’s funny how quick we are to zero in on the verses about how much we love God or what God can do for us, but we seem to glide right over the verses about serving and loving our fellow man. It’s real funny.
Matthew 6:19-21
As if what we have is an actual indication of the kind of person we are. It’s disgusting that people will see a person driving a Ford Focus then a person driving a BMW, and automatically deem the latter as someone more worthwhile solely because of the car he or she is driving.
Cars don’t last forever. Nowhere close. Moral fiber, however…
Beth was telling me about this twitter account she followed that said people who drive a Focus, a Fiat, or a Prius suck and thus deserve to be tailgated … wait, what?! So Beth responded to this person, and I retweeted Beth’s retort with three different twitter accounts (don’t ask why I have access to so many counts. Just accept it as it is)…needless to say, this girl got the hint and deleted the offensive tweet.
Perusing this girl’s twitter a little later, I see that she has tweeted the following ridiculousness:
"It's twitter. If you become offended by a tweet then you are an idiot and feel free to unfollow at anytime."
As if twitter justifies diminishing the value of our fellow human because of the car they drive! I wasn’t personally offended, but if I’m an idiot for being concerned on the behalf of people who could be offended, then so be it! I believe in treating all people with love and certainly being sympathetic to their situations, not subscribing to some ridiculous class system where people with a “lower end” car deserve to be pestered and ostracized for no good reason!
It just bothers me that some people feel so entitled, and because of what? That things happened to go their way? Plenty of people work so hard every single day - some people end up with millions, but most end up driving their Focuses to their 9-5 job, trying to provide for themselves and their family. Possessions mean nothing where it counts. There are so many things I want to be rich in…money is not one of them. Especially not at the expense of how I treat others.
Also, we deserve nothing. So how can we think of ourselves as better for possessing something that is a gift from God? I think we should feel so humbled when blessed with something…not self-entitled.
I grew up rather…well off. Upper middle class, certainly. And not even realizing it. Then that all faded away, because money is fickle, and you’ll have a lot of it one year, then two years later, you’re hoping you stay healthy, because you don’t have health insurance and wouldn’t be able to afford a hospital visit. And what counts in those moments when what you used to have isn’t there anymore? What defines you as a person - where is your worth? If it’s in materials, then you’re screwed. You’re no one.
And I’m grateful to be in a position where things don’t come easy. To have to drive a piece of crap car until it was unusable. To have to eat the same thing every single day because I couldn’t afford variety. To be far from luxury, because it has given me a grander perspective on what really matters and what counts. You can’t see yourself as better than anyone else when you’re close to the bottom. And you can’t depend on possessions to characterize your joy or your essence.
My experiences have opened a deeper compassion in my heart. Most importantly, it has drilled into my head that God is most important. For my needs, for my joy, for my identity - everything is found in Him.
It drives me crazy, how people are judged for what they have, or rather what they don’t have. Can’t we just realize that what we have makes us no better or no worse than anyone else? Can’t we see that the essence of life is absolutely not found in what we have?
And if we are blessed with possessions, how about we stop hoarding them and give to these people who have less than us instead of judging them for it? It’s funny how quick we are to zero in on the verses about how much we love God or what God can do for us, but we seem to glide right over the verses about serving and loving our fellow man. It’s real funny.
Matthew 6:19-21
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