Random Thoughts

This is just going to be a non-related group of thoughts.  I have no real topic so………..

I have no memory.  Most of the time, I can’t tell you what I had for lunch.  So when it comes to the Bible, reading it does me good, but I can’t recall much of the details.  I understand the stories and it builds a moral basis for me, but I can’t recall the details.  So most of my life comes from instinct and the my subconscious reminding me of the things I have been taught.  This is enlightening when it comes to why I don’t see extensive Bible study as the key to knowing Jesus.  I think experiencing Jesus is more important that studying him.  

I’m very independent.  Don’t ask many folks for anything.  Like to think I can always take care of myself (with God’s help of course).  So I have never really let people know much about my personal life or asked for (or accepted) offers of help.  Didn’t want to bother them.  Recently I have learned that this is selfish.  I would never have burdened them.  I would have allowed them to feel needed, to feel important.  So next time I need something, I am going to try and ask for help.  Not only do I share with them the need I have they can answer, but I get something done for me (showing me how much they care).  

Time.  Not much of it.  Definitely not enough to build a community. And as soon as you begin to, there is really no time.  All of the sudden 6 out of 7 nights a week are booked.  Nothing major, just booked.  And every couple needs time to themselves.  So then you make time for yourselves and in doing so, leave others out.  I am only beginning to learn how time consuming it is to build true friendships.  I am enjoying it, but it is tiring.  The funny part is, not matter how tired you are, when you get a moment to yourself, you miss your friends.

It seems to me, we separate our lives here on earth, from our faith.  We have Sundays with Church going.  We even have Wednesday nights with Church going.  But we leave it behind for the week.  This goes deeper then we understand.  I work hard to think about Jesus and try to react in the ways he taught us, Monday through Sunday.  But even that is missing the point.  Jesus wants us to live life the way he taught us.  Exactly what is that?  I think it has more to do with building relationships (open and caring) than it does with living a “good” life.  I believe the first leads to the second.  Once you begin to build relationships, you become a much more open and understanding person.  Why?  Cause the more friendships/relationships you have the more you have to learn about those people.  If you only have 2 friends and they are just like you, you don’t learn anything.  But as you get more and more friends, they begin to be different than you.  And in doing so, you have to learn about others.  And once you understand others, you can be so much more loving towards those people and those like them.  And for those who know me, Love is the key to Jesus.  He Loved all.  Without judgement (when he had every right to judge).  

I will stop there.  I could probably write a hundred random paragraphs, but then who would read em?

Trying to understand Faith

An earlier comment from Fellow Believer got me thinking about Faith.  What exactly is it?  I’ve never been one to worry.  I’ve always had “faith” that things would work out for me.  And they have.  It doesn’t mean I’ve been without pain or sadness, just that when it was over, I was normally thankful for the events in my life that caused the hurt.  A relationship that went bad and hurt you, only to find it wasn’t right for you.  Hopefully to find someone that fit you so much better (which I have found).  But that is just an example.

The point is, faith is difficult to put your finger on.  For most, I believe they see faith as the idea that everything is going to be alright.  But that isn’t true.  John the Baptist was killed because a girl danced really well.  He had faith.  But everything didn’t turn out alright.  So what should we have faith in?

Now God is the obvious answer.  And we definitely should.  But I don’t think God’s plan for us is what we think it is.  Maybe faith is accepting God’s will and living a life that is focused not on us, but on all those around us?  Maybe faith is welcoming the pain we all try so hard to stay away from?  

We don’t live the life God had planned for us.  Even those that seem to, fail.  We live our lives with a faith that takes us to Heaven at the end of our lives.  But our faith should be about bringing Heaven to earth.  There is so much Joy to be had here.  And I believe the pain only makes the Joy that much sweeter.  So let’s stop seeing Jesus as the free pass to Heaven after we die, and start seeing him as the free pass to serve God.  As the man who sacrificed himself so that we would be worthy to even attempt to be the image of God.  And yes, the man who sacrificed himself, so we could defeat death and reach Heaven after our time here is through.  

PS.  I would like to thank Fellow Believer and everyone else who comments on my blog.  Its gets me thinking and debating, and I believe this is something we all must do to learn and grow as followers of Jesus.  Thanks.