Fundamentalist or Biblicist?

As I walk through church greeting people I notice that many folks want a handshake. For others it is the grip of death and the stare down, while others prefer the dead fish. Some people just want a nod to acknowledge them, while some folks are looking for a fist bump and others want a bro hug. Then when I greet ladies at church some only want a “hi” or a wave, while some ladies want a hug and other ladies favor a kiss on the cheek. Through this simple weekly process I’ve come to the conclusion that people are very different. Each person is an individual made in the image of God, as God saw fit to make them and because of this we are each very distinctive and we should acknowledge and celebrate these differences.

 We should be very understanding of our differences. We should be very accommodating to those that are vastly different from us. There should be tolerance and acceptance and not ridicule or gossip of those who differ from us. People who are different socially, economically, racially, culturally, educationally, politically, spiritually or even physically are folks that we should look to understand where they are coming from. You know the old love your neighbor thing or in other words we should walk in their shoes to understand them and where they are coming from.

Why don’t we?

I think selfishness is one of the key reasons we don’t look to understand other brothers and sisters in Christ or even other people in general. We are too busy and preoccupied with our own stuff and life that we don’t have the time nor can we be bothered to care about other folks, especially those so different from us. I think modeling after other people and not Christ also adds to the segregation of people within the church and Christendom. A lack of empathy and a short lived memory add to this problem along with having been or presently being in the “in crowd”. You see to find out why someone is so socially awkward takes time and effort along with love, patience and understanding and quite frankly we would rather live in our own bubble with our own click of friends then to figure out other people or help other people. I think fear is another driving force that keeps us from reaching out and truly understanding other people different from us. Fear of change. Fear of ridicule from folks cemented in their views who cannot and do not want to change. This is because we may have to change our views, our practice or God forbid our preconceived personal doctrine that someone else taught us and be Christlike.

The amazing thing is even though we are so different, as Christians that are “in Christ” He gives us unity among our many differences. Every tongue, every tribe, every race unified in Christ with our vast and considerable differences. What an amazing God we have.

In your dress...be you.

In your music...be you.

In your personality...be you.

In your likes...be you.

In your liberty…be you.

But you say I don't like who I am in this particular area. What should I do? Ask God to change you, to transform you into the image of Christ in your body that he made. But if he doesn't change you in that area that you, rest assured he will give you the strength and grace to be you in that area. Maybe he made you that way on purpose.

You see being Christlike is an attitude. It is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith and humility in action in accepting and caring those so different from us.