Fear of rejection is a huge reason for not putting ourselves out there on the market, but why? There is more at play in dating than flirty winks and nods. Under the surface lie other issues that drive us, namely self-worth and acceptance, and Scripture has a lot to say about these things.
The human factor in spirituality is constantly causing us to look back upon better, easier, simpler days. Unity depends upon our individual willingness to open up to and lean upon one another.
Jesus engaged society in a relevant way. The shouters I have seen cropping up around Seattle spew a litany of hate that wounds the heart of God and tarnishes the work the church is trying to do. It only fortifies the fence we are trying to remove between society and us.
Admitting that we might not feel, might not believe, this faith, which many of us have professed as long as we can remember, is not generally discussed at church. Yet, the feelings associated with these inner doubts – guilt, shame, pride, fear, inadequacy – run the gamut and must be addressed. When dealt with, doubt is of the greatest of spiritual blessings. It purifies the soul, calls us to leave the carnality of religion, and embrace the essence of faith.
So I have been thinking, processing a lot of things the past few weeks. Much of my thoughts have been on a few conversations I have had with friends over the past year. And it’s kind of a touchy topic, so I’m not sure how to navigate through this without sounding arrogant or like I [...]