They're Not Like Me!

The world of social media is upon us and it's not going anywhere.  As I have ventured out there through the different sites and been led to the blogosphere, I find that I am drawn to certain types of blogs just as I am drawn to certain types of people; mostly those written by wives, moms and Christians.  But I have also stumbled across some writings and posts that were written by people I would not normally be drawn to.  And let me tell you, folks, there are some funky people and ideas out there. (Don't worry, I'm not so naive as to think that no one might find me quirky or "out there".)

It has gotten me to think about the people we rub shoulders with, are inclined to spend time with and who we relate to.  It's so easy to avoid those who we feel are not living the way we feel is wholesome and healthy.  And if we find ourselves in a situation where one of those people are in a room with us, we can simply avoid making eye contact.  Then we don't have to deal with them.  You know the ones I'm talking about...they may be dressed all in black with piercings and tattoos everywhere.  They may come to church wearing a tiny little mini skirt, stilettos and a shirt with a plunging neckline.  Maybe they just got out of prison and still have to report to a parole officer.  Or maybe they wear suits, ride bikes and knock on your door to hand you a pamphlet about a religion you don't believe in.  They could be the homeless drunk downtown who asks you for money on your way to a concert.

But have you ever thought that maybe part of living in a fallen world is tasting the fall?  Maybe God wants us to be touched by the quirky or bad or different in people's lives.  I am not saying that we are to become like those around us or espouse everything that others espouse.  I'm just saying that we should let people "touch" us. 


If we look at God as "the great fixer", then we really don't need to become involved in people's lives, do we?  We can stand at a distance, throw money in the plate, and offer up a prayer for someone.  But if we see Him as being with us in life, then we must get involved.  We must walk out the attributes of God that He would show if He were here, physically walking among us.


If we can enter into someone's pain with them and let it touch us, knowing that we are taking the Lord with us, then we can offer up an answer or help or simple kindness.  His presence in us enables us to walk through the bad things, the ugly things, the hurtful things that people are going through.  I wonder how many times we have avoided contact with someone because of their lifestyle or their appearance or  their past.  If we can't bump up against others and let their lives effect ours, then we can't be a light to the world.  We can't ease suffering and pain and then He has no opportunity to work through us.


If I can be a little bit of Jesus in the world then my life has meaning and purpose and I will be so busy doling out the love of God that my issues will grow strangely dim!  Then God is at work in me and He will have avenues with which He can bless me as I bless others.


From His lap,