*just to clarify. this is me talking, thinking outloud. This is an invite into my mind. MY mind. I don't represent any other entity nor do my thoughts represent the views of any church or ministry.
This post has been a couple weeks in the making. I thought today would be a good day for it.
Lets begin with a bible lesson. Philippians 3:8. You're all probably like..."WTF (this stands for With Total Faith in case you were wondering) Jon's actually using the bible..." Yes. Yes I am. -What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.
Garbage, dung are among the words that came from Pauls original use of the term "skabula." The actual word translates to shit. Paul used some pretty strong language here to make a point. Now, I'm not saying this passage condones the use of foul language. But if it is used, we shouldn't be surprised. There are several others that point out that crude jokes and obscene talk shouldn't be spoken. These are often followed up with something like extending thanksgiving or building each other up. Guess what? I don't think these passages are talking about shit, ass, crap (oh wait, you say that one?), damn and even fuck. Why? Because I read it on the internet. AND that I think the writer is referring to harsh words spoken to or about another. Gossip and slander. Calling someone names that belittles and humiliates a person. I think it's more about being kind to one another with our words. So yes, if someone uses these words to hurt or belittle someone I'm not ok with that. But not because of your choice of words, but the fact you're being a dick. Oops...I think I just sinned because I called someone that makes fun of someone a dick. And obviously that's not the way to respond to someone that's hurtful. So next time you read a Matt Walsh blog, encourage him to continue to keep listening to his heart and not his head instead of wishing death upon him.
Which brings me to this. 2 weeks ago I read a post by a former Assemblies of God pastor. It spoke of being depressed and feeling down, (Which are situational, but you could also have undiagnosed depression too). Quoted some passages from Jeremiah and said you need to sing praises to the lord in those times you are in a dark place. Well, here was my response. And a few days later I was sent a private message being asked to remove the foul langauge. I did, because I care about the message I gave. He's got a big following and I know it resonated with someone. Which he agreed. We had good conversation, but still didn't like the words. Here was my response to his original post.
I love those moments when I can be honest with God. I feel most intimate with him when I can speak my thoughts freely. Just Saturday, I had a fantastic time with some fantastic people. Then sunday rolled around. I hit a dark place of depression (that I struggle with and have for many years despite prayer and faith). That story is for another day. I was sick of it on sunday. I haven't been that close to thinking about what it would be like to end it. But there are to many things in this life that are keeping me alive. I hurt for those that don't win that battle. But I got in my truck to go on a drive to clear my head and the first words were...."F YOU GOD. Why are you such an ahole?" (Edited out of respect for those not wishing to read those words) And a variety of other words. And I've never felt so close at that moment. It was like God said thanks for being honest with your feelings. I wasn't praising him, I was using him for a punching bag. I get very upset and discouraged when I hear talk of just going to God and praising him when you are in dark place. That you need to strengthen your faith and remember that God is almighty! Well, he may be. But that is incredibly hurtful to someone that has been a devout Christian their whole life and still struggles with depression.
Now, I understand that you may actually be talking about an emotion and not an illness. But sometimes it's hard to tell a difference.
Thanks for listening to my thoughts on this topic. I do appreciate the encouragement this post Pastor Wayde may give some. But I couldn't keep my mouth shut on how I hear it.
We'll I'm sorry, if you get offended or upset by a word that isn't being directed at another human and is merely a description. I would suggest doing some searching into why? I mean, Paul did it. And many today heed his words over Jesus. Please don't judge people by the language they use, if any judgement is done judge them on how they treat dogs. Just kidding. Judge them on how they treat others. Are they encouraging? Welcoming? Friendly? Honest? Truthful? Or are the critical? Condemning? Full of complaints without solutions?
Some food for thought this afternoon.
And while everyone is so damn captivated. What if you're wrong in thinking homosexuality is a sin and you are adamant that it's a sin? You've just made the life of any homosexual incredibly difficult, stressful and depressing with your condescending attitude. And that was their one life. And you ruined it. What if you're right? Well, no one is listening to you anyhow with that attitude. So if you don't mind...SHUT THE F....ront door called your mouth. And even if you aren't sure, that's ok. Isn't God big enough to deal with it? Just love. And stop worrying about the small stuff.
