"To Be or Not To Be"

Finding a place to lay my head...well according to Jesus, the Son of Man has no place.  Modeling after Jesus that puts my ambitious soul in a quandary.  How do I resolve my passions for living out the Christian life while living in a world absorbed with instant gratification and consumerism?  That's a tough place to be...I wouldn't say that in the western world we should forsake all material possessions yet the consumption of things is off balance.

Growing up in the church, I am familiar with traditions, committees, break-out groups, missions organizations, trips overseas and to the "poorer" areas of local communities...the list goes on.  We've had thoughtful  intentions about most of our planning; I am not saying that we've "done it wrong" in fact we've done many things with missions/evangelism/Bible study in spectacular ways.  I am cautious that we've turned our beliefs toward "ourselves" relying on our strength.  We live in a culture that celebrates self-sufficiency, strength and standing alone.  Then we gather ourselves in a community of faith, awkwardly not knowing how/where to fit in or be that community.

Finding community is a challenge but living within one is a discipline.  It's bearing burdens alongside others, sometimes just one other.  It's weeping when sadness overwhelms and partying like no tomorrow when small miracles or praises need to be celebrated.  It's like the joy the man, who Rev. James Forbes refers to as Long Time John, experiences at the pool of Bethesda.  Jesus didn't condemn.  In fact scripture says, "Jesus knew about this man...looked within his eyes (the lamp unto the body while asking ONE question)...Do you want to be well?"

Thanks Jesus.  You didn't blame me for sitting for 38 years, waiting.  You didn't criticize me or make me go through a penalty process.  Jesus you asked one question.  Long Time John answered when Jesus said "get up, take your mat and walk".  Long Time John did just that, according to John, "he immediately got up."  When Jesus looks through God's eyes, looking into our eyes...we aren't filled with shame.  We cannot help but answer in the community of the triune God and our-self..."Yes I want to be well and follow with immediate response."

Finding that spot within a group of Jesus followers is a challenge and it's an issue of humility, trust and vulnerability.  Start with God, Father/Son/Holy Spirit...you're not alone.  Then trust others to bear this life alongside you.  It may be sharing your supper with a neighbor, mowing a lawn, house cleaning, laundry, drinking coffee, playing a game or Slowing down to really see those we pass daily.  In lue of the most frequent responses "I'm busy" or simply don't want to see you, slowly ask God to whisper, nudge and He will guide your path, supporting you as you walk.