We\u2019ve all been there before. We\u2019ve all been to places and sat in environments that have threatened our comfort levels. Our security of safety has been put on notice and we aren\u2019t sure what to expect, what\u2019s going to happen next, or how to cope with a new environment that promises so much but only delivers a bag of hurt. <\/p>\n
What am I talking about here? A seemingly friendly environment that turns hostile with judgment and condemnation that is ultimately driven by division! I\u2019ve been in situations like this before and I know many of you have too. It\u2019s particularly hard when it is the people of God that come together that might feel like they are causing the harm or the hurt.<\/p>\n
Often times my initial reaction to these times is to take it in stride. I understand that there are going to be environments that appear safe and unifying that end up transforming real quick. I have a couple different options during these moments. I could storm off mad and walk away upset, furthering the dividing environment and \u201cfeeding the monster.\u201d I could stay and add to the drama and also add my opinions and judgments on it. Hey, I could even judge other people\u2019s judgments! That sounds like fun!<\/p>\n
Or\u2026<\/p>\n
I could choose the redemptive road of unity and healing. This option is the most difficult because people in this environment that is dysfunctional only know how to live off of drama. If one comes in and threatens the drama and division with comfort and unity there are many that will not know how to respond, react, or being in this function in this environment. <\/p>\n
The Corinthians got this way! When they came together, there were divisions over the haves and the have nots. There was conflict and judgment between the home owners and the homeless. They didn\u2019t know how to co-exist together as the people of God no matter their backgrounds were. <\/p>\n
Our backgrounds don\u2019t unite us, Jesus does!<\/p>\n
Paul writes to them in chapter 11 towards the end challenging them to check their motives and check their attitudes. They should discern what\u2019s going on and see what sort of environment they are creating within themselves, particularly taking the Lord\u2019s Supper together, breaking bread and drinking the cup. This was suppose to be about unity! This was suppose to be about something shared together in a redemptive environment!<\/p>\n
For us\u2026 For me\u2026 It means creating an environment and culture where we are allowed to judge and check ourselves before the God of the universe and come together to eat. For me, it means coming together and creating a unified environment where coming to Christ is easy, welcoming, and needed! We also can\u2019t forget the importance of the need for freedom in all of this too. Again, it\u2019s not constricting, but freeing. <\/p>\n
As mentioned in the last blog entry, I want to practice freedom and be free. I want it for others. I want the people of God to be able to come together and be this driving force because of the Holy Spirit that is inside and at work. It\u2019s awesome! <\/p>\n
So let\u2019s be part of this incredible environment that is internally judging our own motives and doing the whole gut check thing inside, but not casting down condemnation for others because of their backgrounds. It\u2019s good to check oneself and discern what\u2019s up. Creating and environment of drama, however, is a different story. So\u2026 Go live it, breathe it, do it. You\u2019ll be surprise how many people are craving the same redemptive road and environment that you do, too. <\/p>\n
Go get \u2019em!<\/p>\n
Jay<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We\u2019ve all been there before. We\u2019ve all been to places and sat in environments that have threatened our comfort levels. Our security of safety has been put on notice and<\/p>\n