Tension

It's 11 weeks until I travel across the world to a country I've never seen, and only read and heard about. Part of me can't believe it's so soon, while the other still wonders partially if it really does exist.

but it reminds me of how similar we all are; just as people in Maine are similar to people from Alaska and California and Florida. But in the same way we are no different than those in Europe, or Italy, or even Haiti. Like the paper I am writing now, the people 500 years ago are no different than those living today or the cavemen that the Gieko commercials are imitating.

Why do we seem so different? Why do we feel so strange or disconnected with them?

I think we are just unsure what to make of their customs, their beliefs, and their language. We think they are different or wrong in some way when in fact how do we not know we are the ones that are wrong?

This reminds me of something we talked about in bible class today. The gentiles were not being accepted by the Jews in the early Christian church because the Jews wanted them to be Jews first then Christian just as they had (acts 15). Well Christ died not just for the Jews but for the gentiles as well. Just as in Psalms 72 and Amos 9:11-15 it talks about the Davidic kingdom ruling the world or bringing back god's greatness on the earth. It is a vision of the best possible scenario.

It makes me see through the history of Isreal how taking advice from the outside world and trying to use it to better our own selves or societies just ends in making things worse. Instead we should listen for God and and read his word and not take things at face value. Just as Israel wanted a King so too do we long for our king. But we must remember the differences in perspective. The Israelite King was one to help shine it's light through the nations and failed. we wait for our king who is the light, but we must all help share the light for there is no glory in being alone!

Proud to be Different

We were all made different; to act different, have different talents. Then why do we all try to be the same? It has been the worlds curse to us to dictate the culture and many beliefs the world holds as truth. We were all made in the Image of God, yet we all are different and for good reason. We are also called to be different, to stand out from the world and to be a shining light of hope and eternal happiness.

In Ezekiel we read about the many strange doings of the prophet and how he not only made the point and explained things, he also stood out. But he did not just stand out because of who he was he went out of his way to have people as him what the purpose for what he was doing.

So when was the last time someone asked you, what are you doing? How many times to we just blow it off and say nothing. This is our chance to explain whom we are, to create a deeper relationship and to be the shining light. Now that doesn’t mean run around and act stupid and then shove your beliefs down other’s throats, and that also doesn’t mean stand on the corner of the street and scream about the final judgment and how all sinners and need repentance.

It also does not mean you have to make that many changes. You may have to be slightly more outgoing or ignore normal traditions of the world you’ve been influenced by (which in a few years will be completely different, just look at how fast clothing styles come and go!) But it means you have a talent. You have something or things that you can use to show a light even just a glimpse to the world.

I’ve recently changed to a belief not to hide the gift God has given me for art. I know I’m not the best and I never will be, but I have a gift for using it and making it appealing to others. I can sit for hours and work alone or on a crowded street, and it everyday helps strengthen my love and passion for what I Love and have adored and what I feel I was made for.

Now the question is how to use it? What do I do when I’ve discovered my gift? Or how do I start to begin learning to look?

They’re is no one way or correct way to reach a use for a particular use of a gift one can use, But there is a wrong way. The wrong way is: A) to not use it at all and B) not give god the glory.

But how do we use it? How can you not see is really the question. It will be something you love anyway and you will want to participate and use it in some way or another. It may not come to you over night or even in a week or two, but over time it will be revealed to you, it is something to think, pray, and meditate about. But in the mean time do whatever you can to cultivate and grow your gift to something great to show God’s glory and power.

I do not know where this training will lead me. I do not know how I will influence or use this gift as a light, but I do know I will not ignore it. I will leave it to him, do as much as I can with it and see where it and my heart takes me and where God guides me.

So don’t sit back, be a Christian and do what your called, find your gift by trying everything (and it can always change with time) find something you love and use it. Whether its art, music, writing, teaching, speaking, listening, encouragement, even if your good at babysitting or serving food you can still be used in God’s service. We were not all created equal or the same, but different; and these difference should be acknowledged and capitalized on to spread the light.


We have all been given something special from God to use, so lets use it!