The Conversation...

So here we go. I have received many interesting comments from the previous post of a stirring within me that I am unable to capture. However, as time continues to move about around me, it is slowly unfolding into more complexities. But, maybe I am wrong. Maybe everything that I speak of is simply misguiding information. I don't know, and in that uncertainty is the chaotic truth that has yet to be made known.

However, I am aware that I am not the only who feels the same. And because of this, I venture to guess there lies some sort of foundation. But as I begin to pick apart all the details and examine what the puzzle could portray, all of it points back to one thing, a reforming of reality.

"The Human Condition" is practically defined as flawed, in lack of a better term. We all agree that there is something seriously wrong, something lacking. 'Human nature' is to be violent, greedy, selfish, self-consuming, etc. Don't believe me, go to Barnes and Noble, or Borders Books and you will find that the best selling books are consumed in 'Self-help.' We have to work to be 'good' or 'better' because we do not naturally react in such a way. The most horrific, however, is that it has also been leaked into Christian culture leaving Christians to believe that we are a creation obtaining perfection.

Yet, today, I found myself a spectator in a conversation of two close friends/cultural thinkers. They began to talk about the flaws in Christian values, "Where do we focus our attention as Christians?" Jesus told us to go out and be light in a world of darkness. And if so, then why are we spending our time bringing others into our world (church). Plus, if we are to believe that are talents and gifts are to be used to glorify the Kingdom, then does a highly intelligent and talented architect build a beautiful church filled with items to prolong His Kingdom and facilitate the worship of God, or does he build houses in such a way to provide homes for unfortunate families.

The whole conversation itself is not made to affect the actual ideology of talents and buildings, but more to move the conversation to, "Where is our focus or where should our focus be?" And in that I find my own personal synopsis; where is our purpose?

In my previous post here and on The Open Pulpit, I asked a question, "Are we ready?" Are we ready for whatever this is that is stirring inside of me. As time moves on, the time draws nearer than before and when it reaches the present, will we find ourselves ready? Not in a programmatic way. I do not believe God is calling us to be ready with programming and formatting. Programs and Formats have been the pinnacle of our reality now. However, looking at the life of Christ, no program and format was present. Even the formatted expectation of Christ was not met as the Jewish tradition saw it.

Tradition is leaving us. And I believe this will cue a symbolic battle between the religious and the followers. The purpose for both parties will be tried and one will be found lacking. Whoever carries the appropriate 'hope' will be the victors.

But what do I know, I am a Youth Minister. I work with students seeking answers to something they know is real, but question it's reality. Maybe we are staring into the eyes of a new Reformation movement. Maybe we are staring into the face of a new government. Maybe we are staring at the body of persecution. Of course, Jesus died because He met people where they were at. Us, on the other hand, we want them to meet us at church.

Will we be 'shapers' of the future, or will we use the mold to work within? Will we be ready?