Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Friendship Woes

Have you ever had to stand by while you watched a close friend make a decision that you feel is the wrong one?  Maybe it's not the wrong decision, but to you it just doesn't feel right.  Maybe you told this person your concerns and they blew you off.  Or maybe, like me, you haven't talked in a while and you wonder how can I start a 4 year gap in communication with "you are making a horrible life choice"?  It's a tough spot to be in, a painful one.  Any stories or thoughts?

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Nicodemus, Myself

While reading through the book of John in the Amplified Bible, I was struck by the story of Nicodemus coming to Jesus in a way I never have been before.  You probably know the story from chapter 3 well.  Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, sneaks away to meet Jesus in the night.  He questions Christ about salvation, and Jesus tells him he must be born again of the spirit.  With just a little more research you will find out that the Pharisees were the religious leaders of the day.  They were, unfortunately, obsessed with works and legalism and were, to use a crass term, holier-than-thou.  They hated Jesus, because he claimed the authority from God that they desperately wanted, and he told them their hearts were corrupted.  But Nicodemus was different.  He saw the miracles of Jesus and started to let himself believe that maybe he was the Christ prophesied about.  But he was too ashamed to let his fellow Pharisees know this, so he snuck away like a criminal to see Jesus.

I've read the story a dozen times, but never before have I identified with the man.  Of course I would have a better understanding of the heart of the Old Testament.  I would never have been like a Pharisee!  (Not to mention that as a woman I would have been forbidden to pray out loud).  And yet, in 2011, after years of following Jesus, I find myself looking into Nicodemus' shrinking eyes and seeing myself in the reflection.

How am I like Nicodemus?  Is there a day that goes by that I do not deny Christ in some way?  The desire for acceptance often leads me away from my forgiving Father into a crowd of my peers.  I find myself wanting to fit in so much, I act is if I have to keep my Christianity hidden in a closet.  I'll let the conversation go just shy of too far, speak with answers I know others want to hear, and nod in agreement of activities I know I don't participate in.  I'll keep my Christianity a secret from people I just meet, only mentioning my faith when absolutely necessary.  It's like living a double life.  And the truth is, to be "successful" by the world's standards as a Christian, that is what you have to do.  But why, when I examine the consequences, would I choose to love the world when the Light of the world is beconning me to eternity with Him?  Oh that I could instead be like John the Baptist, whom we see later in the same chapter of John.  There was a man that lived a life without shame.  A man who spoke the Word of the Lord even when he was silent.  Oh that I could live my life like John, who was later beheaded for his faith, and entered eternity as a man who gave his all for love of the Lord.  Much more is such a life than the life led in cowardice.



(disclaimer:  I know that in a way it was brave for Nicodemus to risk his position for Christ.  But in the scope of eternity how much better is it to say "I don't even care about my position; I'm going to Jesus publicly."  I understand there is exception for people today in other parts of the world who must keep silent in persecution and share the Gospel in secrecy.  Take my comments with a grain of salt) :)

Friday, July 8, 2011

Success!

I recently posted a little teaser about a nibble I got from a publisher.  I am proud to announce that that organization is Focus on the Family and they have accepted my article for publication on their webzine, Rising Voice!  I'll be sure to post the link to the article here once it is uploaded!