Oh, yes! It all makes sense now...the reason there's still such a disconnect between the "church" and the "others". Well, I think I may have a good idea as to why this is. Ya know, I've been wrong before so...you might be better off taking Le Var Burton's word for it than mine #readingRainbow
Speaking of Le Var, he's recently been seen over on TNT's Perception. Apparently he graduated and is now a school dean. I'll miss the times we shared. Won't you???
Growing up, my childhood was...really nice compared to what I perceive is the childhood of those coming after me and currently in their pre-adolescent phase. Remember how, even in elementary school there were supposed categories that you could place everyone in? I knew I wasn't the most athletic in the class, but everyone knew who to pick first when it came down to kickball. In this instance it was Antonio. I don't remember his last name, but we were cool in school. He seemed pretty down to earth...anyway, I digress.
The point is, Antonio was often if not always picked first for teams. People knew that they could count on him to be somewhat of an X-factor, or M-V-P if you will. I was athletic too, but at the time still kind of underdeveloped so I might be 2nd to last in the pickings (we also had a small group at recess since class sizes were smaller back then). There was obviously something noticeably different about Antonio that would cause folks to favor him when picking teams.
What was it exactly? We were both black (i.e. Naturally athletic). He a little taller than I. Presumably equal levels of intelligence, although that shouldn't matter on the field...and what I perceive to be as humble, yet something separated us.
Dear God,
I [for one] would like to know,
how much separation is needed
to become one with you.
Amen.
This letter is from liMitz, chosen by the will of God to do God knows what and only He knows so until we find out for sure this description shall suffice.
I am writing to share [more of] my thoughts on how we have acted as a society, culture, religious institution, and individuals. Knowing that we all are of different levels of faith (i.e. Substance), I understand that often times trouble, issues, or topics of concern may arise that throws us for a frenzy. Undoubtedly, several topics tend to rise every so often, generation-after-generation, specifically involving sin, perceived "sins" and the like.
Without further adieu I now commence what is my thesis on the doctrine of separation. A preliminary introduction can be found here: "Separation. A Secular Gospel?!".
...
There's this well known concept that Christians, religious folk, and/or those who deem themselves to be "X" must not associate with, live by, or be comparable to those who are "Z";... Y? Good question.
SN: If this comes off as me having "beef" with the Church, you'd be correct in identifying that.
What's one way to "stand out above the rest", be different, right?! How about, do things in such a way that it separates you, meaning there is no comparison, you can't be touched, no one would dare put you and someone else who isn't like you in the same category. The Bible speaks much on how Christians should live their lives and display such behavior that sets us apart from those who don't act like this, more specifically those who engage in acts, thoughts, and happenings that are not beneficial to one's spiritual growth (or growth in general) and displeases God. For brevity's sake I won't discuss those "here and now"; however, I do "promise to love faithfully" you my followers/readers/listeners/thinkers through continued thought provocation #lutherVandross #imSinging2You
So, this whole idea of being separate, or separated...some folks take to the extreme. This is especially noticeable with newer believers, after all they want to do everything necessary to stay out of the "pits of Hell", where there is much ado about "weeping and gnashing of teeth" versus much ado about nothing. Some who are in the same mindset are those who grew up with what could be deemed as a "contemporary" or "evangelical" background. My first reminder to anyone who wants to be set apart, is that this doesn't mean physical separation in all aspects, especially when it comes to being a living witness for Christ (1 Cor. 5:9-11). The Apostle Paul speaks on how to get away from people who do such "evil things" you'd have to leave this world. Unless you've got the "hook-up" (Holla if ya hear me!) in the space privatization game, I suggest you do your best with less #space that is.
#quickHistoryLesson
Often times when stories are told about Jesus or people think on the topic of religious debate, there are two groups that often resurface. The first is the Pharisees who were strict adherents to the law, and the second is the Sadducees who had their own thoughts about things as well, mostly that they didn't believe in "signs and wonders" (e.g. Resurrection of Christ, Angels/Spirits, etc.) involving Christ and his disciples. There is even further distinction between the two which I am learning of myself in writing this for you. For example, the Sadducees were the more aristocratic or elitist if you will. These were both sects of the Jewish religion. Indeed they had by nature of being who they were "separated" themselves. Much of the interaction in the Gospels is between Jesus and the Pharisees/religious "leaders" of the day. The problem is when the Pharisees would call out Jesus on things that he was doing wrong. They thought they were doing him justice or as I like to put it: "So you think you're (being) fair? I see...."
Now onto the #verbalOnslaught; I'll be gentle.
In my mind it seems "the Church", or possibly what I've perceived as the church has more issues with separation than my grammar concerning subject and verb agreement (I'm getting better).
Keep in mind that those who are in "the Church" are taught to be separate in some way, shape, or form. What you'll notice is that often times this reflects a direct conflict that has been ongoing as long as history has been able to detail events of mankind. This is an "either/or" approach. I'm suggesting "both/and" #collabo(ration)
Here are some quick examples:
- Church vs. The World
- A call to be holy and righteous....
- Anything not holy/righteous is secular (i.e. Of the world), and secular is bad
- Some folks take their faith to an extreme condemning everything
- Church vs. The State
- People don't understand what the "separation of church and state" is really about
- Preventing government from creating a state-like religion (e.g. Rome)
- Preventing government from ruling in the religious domain (i.e. Running the faith)
- Not enough time to go into this one...I'll cover this in greater depth soon.
- Church vs. the church
- Evangelical vs. Prudence
- Emotions, feelings, and thoughts without knowledge or proper application
- Guided by the Spirit only (e.g. Not checking your Spirit against Scripture)
- Discernment and forethought
- Guided by the Word only (e.g. Living out 1 Scripture vs. a "context")
- Focusing on one's sin in judgment instead of loving them first
- Intellectual vs. Faith-based
- Diligent in study yet lacking the applied life skill (e.g. All reading and no preaching/practicing)
- Faith is more important than a thorough understanding of Scripture
- Studying Scripture is a work that goes along with Faith (2 Tim. 2:15)
- Fearful (gathered) vs. Fruit-seeking (growth)
- Gathered- "This is how we've always done it"
- Knowing only what you've been taught/seen in your lifetime
- Growth- "I'll try this on for size"
- Seeking opportunities to do new things and switch/spice up an old practice
- Evolution vs. Creation
- Grew from monkeys or a part of some soup/energy like substance
- Masterpieces created by an Artist with a great attention to detail
- Outside Faith/Spirituality vs. Christianity
- What group hasn't been pitted against/seen as a "threat" to Christianity?!
- There's only one way...
- Not realizing many faiths have commonalities
- We're more alike than we are different
- Not studying other faiths for understanding
- Not communing with persons of other faiths for progression of peace & unity (which the Bible calls Christians to do)
- Not understanding that there are people who inherently "practice" Christian principles, yet don't identify themselves specifically as Christians or a person of faith (e.g. Someone who is "morally good" by a Christian standard but hasn't given their life to Christ)
As you can see I have some issues with...well, I have issues with everybody, because that's just who I am right now in life. I believe these are some common "misconceptions"/perceptions people might have who are inside and outside the Christian faith. Many of these...all of these are true to some extent, even if only taken with a grain of salt; although you should watch your salt intake because too much isn't healthy for you (or so I've heard).
With any group there will be some sort of disagreements, divisions, and dialogue from discussions on various discourses. These happen to be some that I pondered on for a minute. In trying to think of how people might view the Church from the outside, or even on the inside. In Philippians 3:7-9 and 15-16 the Apostle Paul speaks on how he counts everything that he has gained (whatever that is) as loss for the sake of Christ. He will be found righteous but not on his own account living up to some "law" but through his faith in God. Moreover he goes on to state that if there is some thing or any thing that we are unsure of, it will be revealed to us (in due time), for it is utterly important that we all have a similar mind.
Still not sure if::
- Homosexuality is a sin
- You can drink alcoholic beverages
- It's okay to go see R-rated movies?!
That's okay...to be in that place where you don't really know everything.
Scripture is the starting point for God making us right and being led into all truth, at some point our journeys circle back (many times) to it, as it is (i.e. Circled back to) in the end [in Christ]. What happens in between is specific to every man although many of our happenings will be common (1 Cor. 10:13, 12:4-6, 13).
The important thing is to continue to move ahead with what we do know. Don't fall into the trap of knowing what you know without doing further study about what you know to ensure you "know what you know". Even though I may know some things I constantly check myself to ensure that I really do know it and am not sadly mistaken. In other words I take the time out to understand the stories/context behind the scriptures. The easiest way to miss it is to take a verse and say, "This is what it says." Imagine someone telling the story of your life based solely on what you did on any given day. What if that was a bad day? Hopefully, people will look past that...if not...good luck.
It's not a bad thing to practice separation, but be sure that you try to prevent any unintended consequences (e.g. Turning people off from the faith).
Challenge
- Get in ya Word!
- If you don't have one talk to Gideon OR hit me up... #takeCare
Bob Ya’ Head
Word (Sho Baraka)
