Voy en camino: July 2013

Thursday, July 18, 2013

To abstain or to indulge?

As I read Romans 14 in The Voice Bible, which adds kind of a fresh twist (it tells it like a story), I wonder if there's a new application to what I've always heard about "the weaker brother."

Essentially, the idea is that we have freedom as Christians to eat, drink, celebrate as we wish. We have FREEDOM. The food, drink, holidays/special observances in and of themselves aren't sinful. However, if eating, drinking or celebrating those things causes a "weaker brother" to stumble, that is, if it hurts his faith and causes him to sin, then that action for us is wrong. Furthermore, even if we see another "stronger brother" eating, but have weak faith and feel like it's wrong, but do it anyway, we are sinning. Essentially, we are to limit our freedom out of love for one another, as well as to only act on faith (not from just mimmicking one another's behavior).

I have heard and seen this concept interpreted in many ways in the church. For example, alcohol. I believe there is nothing wrong with drinking alcohol in and of itself, in fact Jesus' first recorded miracle was turning water into wine. Yet there are people who say it's wrong to ever drink because it could cause someone to stumble. The same argument is used over and over again, imho, to put limits on freedoms we have in Christ, and church leadership often complies, so as not to offend those whose traditions and personal comfort zones are violated by those freedoms. Essentially, what we have is the squeaky wheels who confuse God's way with their way.

However, when I was reading this today, I thought: hmmm, what if I've been missing something here. What if instead of being overapplied this isn't being applied enough? What if it's meant to be applied MORE broadly than I thought, as opposed to less?

What if we substitute "the weaker brother" with "the possible future brother"? I mean, what if we love, sacrifice our personal freedoms and don't judge not just those who are weaker in faith in Christ, but those who have none at all?

Now, don't get all in a huff. I'm not talking about throwing morals to the wind and "don't judge lest ye be judged" as the world applies it today, of course we judge behaviors and ideas. However, what if this means we are to be less judgmental of PEOPLE as they are trying to live better lives?

What if our vegan friends are to be respected and admired? What if someone who declares it is wrong to drink any alcohol is admired for their conviction and not viewed as a stick-in-the-mud, judgmental Puritan? What if people who are on restrictive diets and appear obsessed with fitness are to be applauded for their self-control?

That does NOT mean we should necessarily do any of the above ourselves, especially if we do so for the wrong reasons - that is, if we are not doing so out of our faith - ie; just so we can feel superior to others, flaunt our bodies, or if it becomes an idol, etc. However, what if we recognized the conviction of the people who are living those lifestyles? What if we sacrificed our freedom to eat meat, drink alcohol or eat rich foods out of love for these people and more importantly for God who made them?

"It is right for you to abstain from certain meats and wine (or anything else for that matter) if it prevents your brother from falling in his faith. Hold on to what you believe about these issues, but keep them between you and God. A happy man does not judge himself by the lifestyle he endorses."
- Romans 14:21-22 The Voice Bible

I realize this may be a jump, because if their faith is non-existent, then we can't hurt it by exercising our freedom to enjoy these things. However, if you aren't a believer, who are you going to want to listen to more - someone who respects and admires your self-control and beliefs or someone who implies they're ridiculous or simply rejects them by indulging in your presence? Are we forgetting 1 Corinthians 9:19 where Paul said he would even make himself a slave, to win as many as possible (souls)?

Yes, the world is off and doesn't get it. Yes, people are looking for love in all the wrong places. Yes, it is obsessed with looks, fitness and food. Yes, in our pluralistic society, anything goes belief-wise, tolerance is required of everything, it seems, except Christian principles. However, are we more likely to win hearts for Jesus by denouncing people's behavior as empty and hypocritical (even though it is!) or by sharing with them God's deep, fulfilling love for them, sacrificing our own personal freedoms if necessary?

This is really hard for me, and I'm not aiming this at anyone in particular except me! So, if you felt convicted by it, I promise that was not my intent, but may God use me as He sees fit!

Monday, July 15, 2013

Drunk lady in the bathroom

Recently I was at a wedding dancing until midnight - what fun! I am terrible at dancing but recently have come to love doing it. My dad doesn't dance either, but there we were, dancing until they shut it all down! I had a blast, but it was time for bed and I was just making a quick pit stop before I headed home.

As I was in the stall, I could hear another lady come in. Her giggling and silly chatter made it apparent she was at least a little tipsy. Then she asked me, "So, what's your story?"

What's my story? Seriously?

I didn't answer, then after she repeated the question, said in a light tone, "Wow, that's pretty deep for this time of night!" and tried to laugh it off. I was on the toilet, after all - this was weird.

"Really now, what's your story?" She asked again. "What's your greatest accomplishment in life? Do you have a degree in something? Do you have kids?" I came out to wash my hands, as did she.

I said, "Well, I have a daughter."

"Well, THAT's your greatest accomplishment then! There's nothing more important than that!"

I wasn't sure how to respond and struggled to put my thoughts together. I was probably taking this way too seriously, but I just felt so uncertain how to express how my perspective had changed since my recent mission trip to the DR. (Why did it even matter? I should just agree with her and get out, right? Something told me it did matter.)

"Have you heard of an elevator interview? You know, where you have 2 minutes to sum yourself up?" she laughed, "Well, you just failed!"

I had to laugh. I apologized, telling her I had recently gone on a mission trip and I felt like a new person, was just figuring out who that was. I felt called to share Him more. I hoped I would make an impact beyond my daughter, on the students that I teach, and maybe others.

She wasn't having it- "No, your daughter is your greatest achievement, your greatest source of influence."

So then I had to know, "What is your story?"

What followed blew me away. She proceeded to tell me her only son who was only 20 had died 4 years ago. My jaw fell open, "Was he (the bride's) cousin?" I remember when that happened, it was so sad. He had a brain tumor and it was quick. I told her I remembered that and had prayed for her back then. We talked a while, me mostly listening, and both of us in tears and hugging. She shared how she almost didn't come to the wedding, didn't think she could handle it, telling of the dark road she has walked these past years, through deep depression, a marriage in shambles, now stronger than ever, through counseling for grief and marriage. She was grateful for my prayers and we spoke openly of how amazing God is, how we cannot make it without Him.

I almost dismissed her as some drunk lady in the bathroom. But she was a beautiful woman who was going through something unimaginable. God was able to use even me, even there, at even that late hour.

So now, I have to ask, what is your story?

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Cancionero- Songlist!

No tengo telefono

para hablar con Dios x2

No tiene líneas - NO

No tiene números

Es el teléfono,

Es la oración x2
Video: No tengo telefono

Yo tengo gozo, gozo en mi corazón - ¿dónde?

En mi corazón- ¿dónde? En mi corazón

Yo tengo gozo, gozo en mi corazón - ¿por qué?

Porque Cristo me salvó