I created this blog site 1 year ago and then did nothing with it. That may seem a little odd but I think I know why. I have had my concerns about the things stirring inside of me of which I wanted to write. What would be thought of these viewpoints? Would some of them cost me friends and relationships? I wasn't sure.
I wanted to post this today kind of as fair warning. To explain to, and prepare, anyone reading this blog as to why I would have the viewpoints I do. Do I somehow think that I have some corner on insight? Absolutely not! I'm just expressing my perspectives and am interested in hearing the comments that may come. Maybe I need to be corrected. Maybe you need to be awaken. It could go both ways. So, just where am I coming from.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Having said that, I am cautious to use the term "Christian". That is because I have seen, and heard, that term attached to so many things that it has almost taken on a marketing connotation. As if just attaching that word is somehow a seal of approval. I can't help but feel that Christ must have some disappointment in how His affiliation is being used. So let's just call me one who tries to follow Christ to the best of my abilities. Believe me, it's a battle. So how does that relationship shape my viewpoints? I try to see my life, and the issues in this time, though the lens of a biblical worldview. As if I was wearing a set of glasses that were embedded with scriptures from the bible. Therefore, filtering everything so that when I see it I see it with the "astigmatism of the world" corrected. Kind of like how Polarized lenses work. They straighten out the light rays so as to eliminate the glare.I hope that makes sense. And when I look in a mirror, so to speak, I don't use the mirror of the world but the mirror of the bible. I don't want that warped weird reflection from a fun house mirror. But one that is accurate and gives me a true reflection of who I am and what my life "really' looks like. Not to the world, but in God's eyes.
So in closing allow me to say this. If someone reads my postings that is not a follower of Christ, as expected I will most definitely sound whacked out. I understand that and in some ways find that comforting. Because if some of my viewpoints, or ways of living, are totally comfortable with the world, then that would cause me to take a serious assessment of my life. But it's the viewpoints of fellow believers that I think will be the most challenging. Because these comments will come from people that, in a spiritual sense, would be my peers. I think it is this group that has caused me to take a year to start posting on my blog.
To that group I say this. May my comments move you enough that you will post a comment so that we may sharpen each other. Or maybe some of my postings will cause you to clean your lenses and take another look around. Either way I look forward to this journey. Here is what I ask. I am opening myself up to you in some pretty stark transparency. It would be safe to read this and stay safely in the background not revealing where my error, or yours, may be. But is that really where we want to be? I most definitely answer no.
Last line I promise. Let me go back simply to the title and meaning of my very first posting, "I'm coming out of the closet". I really am. Will you join me and make a stand?
Love ya'
Steve
Yes, I did see this. I believe we all need to reassess our lives and be willing to step up to the plate. As believers, our lives are not our own, they were purchased with a price. We cannot offer hope to the world except through Christ crucified. It is not of our own works. Thank you Steve for being willing to step out or step up to address this from your heart. Even those who have not yet come into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, there is hope awaiting. We may be the only Jesus that some see. What are they seeing? We do not do this alone.
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