I've always been the black sheep type person, from the way I dress, act, things I do, etc. I have usually found my own path and walked it regardless of others...So when I was saved, it was only natural that I saw things and noticed things just a little different than everyone around me.
As I read about Paul, I realized that this dude was SERIOUSLY different!! I mean...he was so outside the box that even the Christian elders moved him around and sent him on missions just so he wouldn't embarrass them! They disliked him, some of his views, and his methods, but he was converting people by the thousands, so what could they do??
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. - 1 Corinthians 1:17
As you read through the stories on the site, you can see where I have struggled with finding myself at odds with people whom I respect immensely!! It's usually been a personal struggle...thinking "Why do I see or feel differently about this than them?".
Then one day I was reading the story on Jesus and the Temple Tantrum (one of my favs by the way) and contacted a mentor on the subject because I saw things vastly different. My friend blasted me for not going with the mainstream....I was stunned! I was hurt! I was angry!
God made me this way! God planned my life to be such that it would prepare me for being different in my ministry just as I have always been different in other ways as well.
I tell this story to say this:
As a new Christian, we MUST surround ourselves with people we trust: Friends, pastors, writers, musicians, etc. These people all play a major role in helping us maintain our Walk and strengthening our faith!! It is our task to seek and find these string Christians and implore them to help us. However, while these people will always be friends, the teachers, guidance counselors, and mentors come and go as we grow.
Think of it like school...Every year we had different teachers and as we got older and more experienced, we had lots of different teachers. Even though we changed yearly, we still remember these teachers for the roles that they played in our education (or in my case, you feel very bad for the crap you put them through!). And...we each have those select few that made a resounding difference in our lives to this day!
One point on this that I want to make clear is that I believe (notice I say that it is my belief...) we are each responsible for our own Walk. Let me say that again for traction: We are responsible for our own Walk!!
I constantly encourage everyone to read the scriptures themselves and decide what the scripture says to them!! Go to church! Listen to the message! Take away what God is telling YOU!! You do not have to agree 100% with everything around you!! The person preaching is human just like you and while God has called them to speak His message...He is also calling you (and each of us)!!
The thing I think experienced Christians could do to help welcome new believers is lighten up! :)
Seriously...I often think how cool it must be to have walked with The Lord for many years! I look at my friends and even find myself envious of their super-human faith and deep knowledge in the Word of God! It's very intimidating also!!
Experienced Christians should remember this....you are held in awe by the beginners!! That awe is both exciting and scary to us beginners. Think back to when you were first learning to walk with God and how you must've felt towards the people around you at church!
In the past months I have encountered the people that love my views and those that think I am nuts and blasphemous. The one thing I think they have in common is that they are all Christians...just with varying views, understandings, and shortcomings...just like me (I especially relate to the shortcomings!).
So the one piece of advice I have for the experienced: Love! Love your new brothers and sisters. And like a child...learn to smile at our ignorance...bravado...and even our stumbles as you hug our necks and remind us how much we are truly loved!
So embrace who God has made you to be...Touch the lives around you...Love everyone!!
Thanks for reading!
Love your neighbor as yourself!!
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