I’m ashamed to say that today, for the first time ever, I realized “behave” is not two separate words. For example, it is incorrect grammar to say, “Are you kids being have?” When “hāve” isn’t really a thing at all. The correct question would be “Are you kids behaving?” Why, yes, I am an English Language Arts major in grad school. No, I was not raised in a barn. A house with acres, but not a barn.
Do you ever have “aha”moments like this later in life than the average person? I feel like I have more than normal. Now, granted, I grew up with a very vivid imagination, so my folks will deny some of these stories, but I’m telling you, it’s what I was told.
I found out in a college that if you look a pigeon in the eye, you don’t actually fall asleep. Speaking of eyes, I also learned (last year, unfortunately) that if you look at someone with pink eye, you won’t actually get pink eye. Also, I was two years into my educational career when I realized it was pronounced “Superintendent” and not “SuperNintendent.”
Sometimes the smallest bit of knowledge can create a whole new perspective on things. Like, I’m finally able to play in the park and don’t have to worry about becoming narcoleptic if the birds are flying. Do you remember that first “aha” moment that you had as a Christian? Some stories vary from others, but I love hearing all of the stories. These moments are huge faith builders. I continue to have those moments even 20 years after I became a Christian,
I grew up in the church. I was surrounded by friends and family that were members of the church. I was blessed. Not everybody is “handed Christ” that way as a young child. Many people have to go out to find Him. These people ask questions and search scriptures in order to discover the real Jesus and His real will for each of us. Their “aha” moment is when they find Him and begin walking every day with Him. It’s life changing, because it’s not your momma’s traditions-if you didn’t grow up in the church.
Now come back to my situation. I grew up with the same church traditions as my momma, my grand momma, and my great grand momma. I never had a reason to ask questions regarding my faith-or so I thought. It’s like, if you vote republican because that’s who your mom voted for, do you really know why you’re voting republican? Then again, I also was recently approached by a good friend who is not a member of any church. He actually practices a completely different religion than I do. Having said that, he knows his Bible well; I’d even shamelessly say, better than I do. He knows its history, its content, and book/chapter/verse lightning fast.
We met up for coffee with another friend of mine and discussed religion-much like, I assume, people meet up to talk about politics (I’m not old enough for that 😉). He asked genuine questions about why I believe what I believe-specifically targeting the chuck of Christ and it’s traditions. Some points that he brought up, I had honestly never thought about. There were verses in the Bible that I had read a million times that had completely different meaning after reading them with someone outside of the faith.
There were some questions that he asked in which my answer was, “I don’t know.” I was embarrassed to say those three words out loud about a book that I have meditated over my entire life. I left that meeting feeling defeated. I prayed on my way home. I prayed for wisdom, knowledge (they are different), I prayed for my faith to be increased by my upcoming study of the Word, for my heart to be open minded, and for peace. I instantly felt a sense of peace. I ran into the store and grabbed a notebook to take notes on several topics that were brought up that morning. I’ve got several friends that have degrees in theology that are helping me dissect some scriptures. We will meet again after summer, and I can’t wait to share with him what I’ve learned.
I expected for this experience to completely defeat me and make me question my faith, but it’s done the complete opposite. It’s made me a much stronger soldier in the Lord’s army. I have exchanged my pocket knife (milk) for a Gladius sword (solid food). 1 Corinthians 3:2 states, “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it.” I miss my little milk diet-I didn’t have to think as much. I was comfortable. Our Christian life here on earth isn’t supposed to be comfortable. We’re called to move! I am honored that God placed me in that position to defend His Kingdom. I’d appreciate your prayers during my study, and I promise to update you with my findings by the end of the summer. But don’t sit comfortably and take my word for it-look things up yourself. Ask questions! Be okay with saying “I don’t know”.
And stay away from pigeons.
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