One thing that I truly love about being in Christ is the community that comes with it. Honestly, you could join a lot of clubs in life, dedicated to any number of things: books, health, public speaking, playing games, socializing, dating, even fandom. In each of these social networks/clubs, you will find people that you enjoy being around. But I have a hard time thinking about any kind of organization that will come with a community that is involved in your personal life as the body of Christ. Once you decide that you are all in with Jesus (and even before that point) you are automatically injected into a body of supporters, cheerleaders, friends, and family. You are blood related.
You are adopted as one of their own.
We see this idea explained by Paul while talking about Fighting against sinful nature in Romans 8:12-16, “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”
It’s a beautiful relationship. God loves on you so that you can love on others. He gives you the ability to reach out and affect lives for Him. Unfortunately though, there is something that gets in the way; something that holds us back. Intentional or not, there will always be a wall to climb over. So what is this mysterious force that sabotages us from the start?
Ourselves
We con ourselves into believing that we have very little worth from the start. There is now way that when someone asks how we are doing, they actually care about the response. People never care that much. They don’t really expect honesty. We tell ourselves that it’s a pleasantry. It doesn't matter, anyway. Why tell the truth? So we default to our standard response, “Fine.”
Fine is the perfect response of you want to keep someone at an arm’s length. You aren't admitting to personal failure or a broken spirit. It doesn't give a window into your doubts, fears, or wrongs. And yet, at the very same time, it doesn't show your personal victories or on-goings in your world. It doesn't warrant celebration or congratulatory obligations.
Fine is average. Fine is passing. Fine is C+. Fine works just fine.
Which makes it every Christian’ favorite four letter ‘f-word.’
And really, that really is (dare I say it…) fine. It’s your choice. Some would just rather stay at an arm’s length. There really are those who use the, “Hey! How are ya?” as a pleasantry and noting deeper. But what if they weren't? What if, by all impossible standards, they really do want to know about you, how you are, and how they can be praying for you? What then? You have just shut out a beautiful and tangible way to allow someone into your world.
Proverbs 24:26 says, “An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.” Isn't that what we want? Friendship? A friend that will share our lives with our hopes and struggles attached? Isn't this also what is offered more often than not within the Lord’s church?
So, next time someone that you trust asks you how you are and you have some time to give, answer honestly. Open yourself to the possibility that someone actually cares.
Don’t answer with, “Oh, F***!”
You are adopted as one of their own.
We see this idea explained by Paul while talking about Fighting against sinful nature in Romans 8:12-16, “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”
It’s a beautiful relationship. God loves on you so that you can love on others. He gives you the ability to reach out and affect lives for Him. Unfortunately though, there is something that gets in the way; something that holds us back. Intentional or not, there will always be a wall to climb over. So what is this mysterious force that sabotages us from the start?
Ourselves
We con ourselves into believing that we have very little worth from the start. There is now way that when someone asks how we are doing, they actually care about the response. People never care that much. They don’t really expect honesty. We tell ourselves that it’s a pleasantry. It doesn't matter, anyway. Why tell the truth? So we default to our standard response, “Fine.”
Fine is the perfect response of you want to keep someone at an arm’s length. You aren't admitting to personal failure or a broken spirit. It doesn't give a window into your doubts, fears, or wrongs. And yet, at the very same time, it doesn't show your personal victories or on-goings in your world. It doesn't warrant celebration or congratulatory obligations.
Fine is average. Fine is passing. Fine is C+. Fine works just fine.
Which makes it every Christian’ favorite four letter ‘f-word.’
And really, that really is (dare I say it…) fine. It’s your choice. Some would just rather stay at an arm’s length. There really are those who use the, “Hey! How are ya?” as a pleasantry and noting deeper. But what if they weren't? What if, by all impossible standards, they really do want to know about you, how you are, and how they can be praying for you? What then? You have just shut out a beautiful and tangible way to allow someone into your world.
Proverbs 24:26 says, “An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.” Isn't that what we want? Friendship? A friend that will share our lives with our hopes and struggles attached? Isn't this also what is offered more often than not within the Lord’s church?
So, next time someone that you trust asks you how you are and you have some time to give, answer honestly. Open yourself to the possibility that someone actually cares.
Don’t answer with, “Oh, F***!”
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