Today, we have a special guest writing for us, Mimi!
MiMi is a very proud mommy of 2 boys. When she's not embarrassing herself with potty humor and awkwardness you can find her blogging about it at Living in France or with her hands covered in glitter and Mod Podge while she tries to craft. She's also set a goal to finish the Bible in a year or less. Currently she is in Romans. At the end of the day when she's done being awesome you can find her with her nose in a book.
blog // twitter // etsy // facebook
MiMi is a very proud mommy of 2 boys. When she's not embarrassing herself with potty humor and awkwardness you can find her blogging about it at Living in France or with her hands covered in glitter and Mod Podge while she tries to craft. She's also set a goal to finish the Bible in a year or less. Currently she is in Romans. At the end of the day when she's done being awesome you can find her with her nose in a book.
blog // twitter // etsy // facebook
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So here's the deal with me. Ya see, I don't speak with much knowledge about God. I don't have quotes, psalms, passages or anything from the Bible memorized. I haven't even read it all the way through. In fact I just recently started attending church regularly. As in, last year. I had quit going for about 12 years. There were lots of reasons why, and I don't want to blab too much about the negative environment at this prior church, but it was one of the principal reasons I decided to quit. Oh, and also, I was too lazy to get up early on the weekends. Do you get what happened there? With the quitting of the church? Think of this:
Religion got in the way.
I know it sounds weird. But there are so many religions with so many rules and ideas about the best way to come to God.I think they sometimes forget that the business end of church is not what church is about. And that the only way to come to God is through Jesus.
Religion doesn't buy you a ticket into heaven.
Clean living doesn't get you in.
You can't squeak in by the skin of your teeth because your will states that all your money goes to the poor.
Recently, I had an acquaintance say something astonishing to me. She said, "MiMi, I just don't understand why you are attending church now...I've been trying to convert you to Christian for years."
This felt like a blow to me. Like she had punched me in the gut. She may as well have said, "MiMi, I just don't understand why you have two eyes a nose and a mouth."
I was insulted, indignant, mad, sad, all of those things. Finally I stammered out with tears in my eyes that I am Christian. I don't remember a time in my life where I didn't know Jesus.
It made me think, though. What about my life said to her that I wasn't Christian? And I really thought about it. I didn't just get indignant and walk away and forget it. I've been pondering this question for weeks.
In fact, this is the first time I'm really talking about it because I've just been holding it for a while.
I decided that there were reasons, for sure, why she would think I'm not a Christian. From her point of view, and her legalistic philosophy of the Bible, of course she thinks I'm not a Christian. No matter that we discussed the Bible, God, Jesus, everything about Christianity and I had said many times I was a Christian, I guess I didn't show it.
Here's the rub though: Some peoples' view of a Christian is flat out whacked. Completely insane.
There's a difference between being a Christian and being a good Christian. Or even a mediocre Christian.
I have not always been a good Christian, but I have always been a Christian. Heck, some days I struggle really hard to be a mediocre one.
But I do know this:
Because I cut my hair short and dye it doesn't make me not a Christian.
Because I sometimes (or a lot) cuss, does not make me not a Christian.
If I'm covered in tattoos and drink beer, it doesn't mean I'm not a Christian.
If I think you can drink wine with communion instead of juice, it doesn't mean I'm not a Christian.
If I have to fight the urge to punch the dude behind me in line at they grocery store because he is irritated waiting for me to check out and makes a sigh into a 3 syllable noise, that does not make me not a Christian.
If I wear makeup and have my ears pierced, that doesn't mean I'm not a Christian.
Because I like loud rock 'n roll doesn't mean I'm not a Christian.
Because I read, eat junk food, laugh when people fall down...still doesn't make me not a Christian.
I recently read something that went like this:
When I say I'm a Christian I'm not announcing that I'm clean living or better than you. I'm saying that I'm a sinner and I know that Jesus died for my sins.
That's all.
And that's everything!!
No matter what religion you are...don't let it get in the way! There is one person between you and God and he sits at God's right hand, waiting for you. Waiting for me.
Although, I'm sure he wants me to clean up my language before I get there.
I saw this video the other day and it reminded me of the one who thought I wasn't a Christian. Click here to view. It's a little over a minute long, and it's hilarious, definitely worth watching if you like tongue in cheek humor.
Now, I don't know if this post makes any sense whatsoever. It looks nothing like what I originally planned. My thoughts ran away with my keyboard, I guess. I just wanted to put it out there...what I believe.
I am a sinner. But I am saved.
Thanks for having me ladies!! :)
ReplyDeleteReligion and church politics are strong reasons I don't attend church any more. Too many negative associations.
ReplyDeleteYep. And it's hard to get passed that...you have to separate the politics and stuff from the Word.
DeleteLadies, I grew up in a whacked out church. Now as an adult I have come to see that it really isn't about church/religion...it is about my relationship with Christ. I too suffered with a bitter taste in my mouth towards Churches, but I will tell you...I feel so foolish for allowing someone elses short comings to hinder my walk with God. All those years I wish I could get back...Mimi this was an amazing post. Thank you for sharing with us! It is very similar to what I am talking about tomorrow. `Andrea
DeleteI agree with you. All those years I spent...many years...that I allowed other peoples' behavior to get in between me and God. So sad. At least He was waiting for me, I know that and that makes me feel better. :)
DeleteNot all churches play politics (though some certainly do!)... there are many out there that will love and support and build you up rather than frustrating you!! For me church is a place where I can learn more about God's word (from people who seriously know more about it than I do!), where I can spend time in worship with my God and where I can get involved in activities that connect me to other people who have similar values and beliefs. "Church" doesn't just have to be Sunday morning in a sanctuary though either. Church is any body of believers who gather together in the Lord's name. My mentor, long time friend and very respected pastor began a new "church" last year called Life Community Church. Rather than meeting on Sunday, they meet once a week in people's homes in the form of small groups/Bible studies. These groups provide all the same benefits of a traditional church but in a smaller more intimate/comfortable setting. All of the groups get together one Sunday a month for a celebration with food, a short message and some music but mostly for fellowship. It has really been a neat experience when I have gone (I did participate in the weekly small group even though I am committed to a large congregation church that meets Sunday mornings as well). Don't give up on meeting with others and miss out on the community and fellowship that God intends for us! Find what works for you in whatever setting that may look like! Thanks for sharing Mimi and Vandy :) -Julie
ReplyDeleteIt took a long time and I would still say that I'm fighting the enemy on some things...but I have come to realize that it doesn't matter, what matters is Jesus. :)
DeleteI love you Mimi. What a wonderful post. I think I can identity with what you're feeling. I am a Mormon and most people think that Mormons are not Christians. Some claims we're a Cult, but I know it isn't so. We may not all walk in the same type of faith, but one thing we have in common is our love, faith and belief in Jesus Christ. That He is our Savior and Redeemer. And that He died for us all no matter where and what we are. You, my friend, have touched my life in a Christlike way. I am grateful for it. Thank you for sharing yourself in all your funny, touching and marvelous posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sela. :)
DeleteI'm super glad to hear you say all of those things. So often it is hard to seperate "religion" from what it is really all about. My husband has really struggled with the whole "church" thing because he feels like they try to cram so many of their rules and regulations and traditions down peoples throats instead of just doing what the bible says which is loving and believing Christ as our Savior and loving others fully without strings. I love this site. It's going on my list of reads right now! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOur pastor once said it like this: Religion is man's way of trying to get right with God. You follow the rules do the rituals and you feel better. But really the only way to God is Jesus. Those religious man made rules are not important no necessary. It's narcissistic to think you can do anything.
DeleteGreat post chick! And I'm glad you're back to church and hearing God's word regularly! And I'm so jealous that you made it through the entire Bible!!! I told my hubs about it and he sent me a link to do just that online. Do I know where the link is now? no. But I will ask him again today.
ReplyDeleteLOL
DeleteLOVE your thoughts. honest and from the heart. i adore you.
ReplyDelete