August 26, 2009

Tonight in Bible Study the question was asked what was our culture growing up (values and traditions) and how does our culture fit within our Christian life today?

The discussion was a good one from the stand point that many of the people at the table were willing to talk about their idea of culture and how it fit within their Christian life.  The point was made that many people live one life in the church and quite another life outside of the church.  It does not appear that these people are truly comfortable to be themselves in the church and in front of those people that are called family.  Some people are observed outside of the church acting completely different than they do in the church.  The question I have to ask is, why is that?

I have some of my own ideas why this may be the case.  The first one is the church has not provided a safe non-judgmental place for the people to let their “hair down” so to speak and be themselves.  They run the risk of being judged and disliked by people who might object to the individual for who they really are.  While making judgments and causing people to feel uncomfortable to be them selves is the farthest thing from Christ likeness, it takes place in our churches.  This is a reality that must be admitted to and addressed.

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight, but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:13 MKJV

The truth is there is nothing that takes place in our lives or in this world is void of God seeing it.  He knows our hearts, He knows our needs, and He is aware of who we are.  Why then do we discourage people for being different than we are.  I am not talking about a maladaptive or antisocial behavior, I am simply talking about people who think different, have a different world view, who act or have different manners than you or I do.  If we talk about loving everyone with the love of Christ we must do it with true unadulterated love of Christ.  Regardless of who they are.  Even if there is blatant sin in ones life, that person should not be shunned but loved and encouraged to consider God’s word and repent.  All to often we beat people with the Bible instead of sharing it with them.

The church should be a place where people are able to come as they are and be encouraged in the Lord and lavished in His love.

Consider these questions.  Please respond and comment and check back.  I would like to start a healthy non-judgmental conversation here on this topic.  Hopefully we all can learn something from each other.

What is your definition of culture?

Why do you think people find the church an uncomfortable place to be?

What are some way that you feel your culture is misunderstood?

How does your Christian life fit into you Christian life today?

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