Monday, October 29, 2007

Off Sides...Against the Defense

My grandpa's a great guy. He really is. Sure, we don't really agree on everything, or maybe even most things, but most of that comes down to practicality and implementation not concepts or values.

We've had some really good conversations in the last few days. We've agreed, disagreed, torn into each other, and ended everything laughing at how alike we are. It really is hilarious.

All of this has a point though. The other night we were talking about values and core beliefs. It was a great conversation and lots of fun, but I said something that really got me thinking. I know, that's weird. Usually it's the other guy who says something to make you think. But this one was all me. I said something that I'm beginning to reconsider.

I used this phrase:

"Christianity aside..."

I was trying to express that this particular feeling of mine would be the same even if the Fear of the Lord wasn't part of the equation. (fear of hurting Him, not Him hurting me...but that's a topic for another time)

But here's what I got to thinking. That's not really possible. It's simply not possible, or shouldn't be, to separate a follower of Christ's feelings and beliefs from the fact that he is a follower of Christ. Christianity is life. This is especially true for those of us who grew up in Christian families. Everything we think, even if it's contrary to what we've been taught, is looked at through the lense of Christian thinking.

It's an interesting thought. It's also kinda cool. I can't be separated. Christ is within me. I'm a new man. That's just who I am. No more, no less.

And heck, what's to be ashamed of? It's the gospel. Real power in real people to show real love. How good does it get?

"So that as sin has reigned to death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." ~ Romans 5:21

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