We are all complicated. Defined by our past, our relationships (past and present), our family, our friends and our experiences in general of the world around us. Carrying around 'baggage', refining our character, developing elements of our personality to show the world, and learning what we would rather confine to our own four walls at home.
As we go through life we edit ourselves, brushing what we would rather forget under the carpet. We present a persona that we are happy with, the version of ourselves we want people to have to buy into, potentially even be impressed. Even if you enjoy being miserable and unapproachable (we all know those kind of people, and they are often the most soft hearted) - you are asking others to back off, be wary or be on the receiving end of a blunt remark.
Cue a blog post about God accepting us for who we are, knowing us before we were born (insert Psalm 139:13 quote) and loving us regardless.
But what if God is asking something of you, rather than the other way around?
The apostle, Paul was one of those peope who was at times blunt, honest and not afraid to tell people what they didn't want to hear. I get the impression this didn't always add to his popularity, despite being motivated by love.
Writing to the people in Corinth, Greece (an audience that Paul maybe found more tricky than others):
"Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete. Now, are you ready for the real reason I didn’t visit you in Corinth? As God is my witness, the only reason I didn’t come was to spare you pain. I was being considerate of you, not indifferent, not manipulative. We’re not in charge of how you live out the faith, looking over your shoulders, suspiciously critical. We’re partners, working alongside you, joyfully expectant. I know that you stand by your own faith, not by ours."
If you believe in Jesus Christ, if your faith defines you, then how does this impact your integrity? Where is your honesty in yourself? How can you speak to people about this amazing, awe inspiring, omnipotent God who gave us his son as the answer, when you cart your problems around with you everywhere you go? When you hide your true self. When worries and troubles define your day to day. How can you present truth when you are not of truth yourself?
Hey, not that anyone is perfect. Those speakers at conferences and pastors on a Sunday morning are no more perfect than the rest of us. Integrity is what is key. Truth is key.
Being quirky is ok. Being complicated is ok. Withholding knowledge of someone or something that has been shared with you in trust is ok to be kept secret (mostly). Being complicated is ok.
Complicating faith is not ok.
Complicating truth is not ok.
Complicating God is not ok.
Complicating yourself is not ok.
Don't present the world with your version of what Christianity should be like. You aren't the one who created it.
Bible geeks, the verses are from 2 Corinthians 1: 20-24 (The Messge version)
image (c) tumblr/2013yearoflettering
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