Silent Christianity

Unfortunately, as of late, I have noticed an epidemic of people who call themselves enlightened that are silent. I have done some conversing on some message boards and group lists for the Home Churched and some other areas. To those I spoke to it seems crazy to reach out to others, almost a sin. They stay in their quiet little group. Only their close friends and relatives would ever know that they are doing something to help others and that they have an alternative way to worship and serve the Lord. This is a sad commentary. Are they ashamed about where they are and what they are doing? Are they afraid to step out of the shadows and stand up for what they believe in? We need to get past ourselves and our comfortable little groups. I remember what it felt like to believe that there was no alternative, nowhere to go, and no one to turn to. In this world and in the general Church community people need answers. They want something new, and know that they need more. People need a place to express themselves, but some do not realize that they are entitled to do so. Why is it that we are hiding? If there are so many home Churches, small groups, and alternative ways of worship why doesn't anyone know they exist? Now I ask you, is it okay to hide your light where no one can see it? Is it okay to leave your friends and neighbors in the dark about the revelation that God has given you? Do you care enough about them to reach out to them, or would you rather hide and avoid any criticism? Consider the parable of the talents... We are meant to use and multiply what God has given us. He does not want us to bury his divine revelation. He loves us and we are supposed to Love one another. Is it love to hide a better direction, a better way, from those who need it, or is that neglect? Consider for yourself. Are you being selfish with what God has blessed you with or are you eagerly sharing it with others? You don't need an advertising campaign, or to be political. You do need to not be afraid of who you are and what you believe. Rumor travels fast, and if you're not afraid to get out there and actually help the community, people will know. If they need you they find you. The word of God is not exclusive to one group. Our ancestors were corrected on this, we can read it in the Bible. Jesus was not silent. He did not hide. Why do we?

Oh, and one more question........
Is your group meeting for God, or for yourselves?

purposes and passions

I often find that we as people have a natural desire to "belong", and to be a part of something. We want to be remembered, and make a difference. Nobody wants to fall away and disappear into the masses or be a shadow of someone else. We are all looking for our voice and hoping it can be heard. Yet we spend more time fighting than encouraging. Our hearts are silent, and our voices are speaking words that are not our own. We borrow the thoughts of others and discourage originality. We try to silence anything that challenges us.
God places in our hearts desires, talents and passions. We should follow those. There have been times when I lose track of the things that I love, that He has given me. It is in those times that I tend to be, well, rather miserable. I focus on what is “best” and most responsible, but God’s ways are not necessarily our ways. The best thing to do is to follow after the path that He has chosen for you. We will never find fulfillment in following the ways of man. Working a grinding 9-5 job will never give you happiness. You will always have a void, and a need. This need can only be filled by our Lord through following his purpose. He places things within us that will allow us to stand apart and make a difference. If we follow his purposes, we will never fade away.

For me, doing what is best and responsible is not my path. While loving and caring for my family, I cannot forget the Arts. That is my passion. I MUST dance. I MUST write. I MUST sing. I MUST reach out to others and bring them closer to a truly intimate place with God. I cannot function without my heart being expressed creatively for God. It is in this place that I find fulfillment, that I find myself closer to Him. Yes, I must make certain that I take care of responsibilities, but it is possible to do this without losing sight of my passions and purpose.

What is your passion, where does God touch your heart? Where is your place, what yearning is there within you? Follow it, and you will find yourself closer to Him. You can make a difference and be remembered. You cannot simply do as you please, you must seek after the Lord and allow him to guide you. It is only in him that you will find fulfillment. Those around you will be happier and more fulfilled if you first, find it for yourself and then share it with others.