Stone8

Written by cycleguy on June 23rd, 2015

I like what Chuck Swindoll once wrote when telling a story of a little boy. The little boy wrote down “Nobody act big. Nobody act small. Everyone act medium.” Gotta chuckle at that. There are some people who are too big for their britches. There are some who need to learn to “buck it up” and accept who they are and quit putting themselves down. But we also need to see we are-for all intents and purposes-equal.

Stone 8 is about homogeneity. I’ll use a word I know: sameness. For many churches variety is not the spice of life. They maintain a certain “air” which transfers to those who worship there and those who visit. If the “air” is too uppity or too stiff or too stifling then too bad. By the same token, if the air is too white or too black or too oriental then that is also too bad. Sadly, many churches revel in their homogeneity, aka sameness.

The recent shooting in Charleston has once again brought the race card to the forefront. But I am glad to see people of all colors banding together saying, “This will not define us. We will not allow this to divide us.” ‘Course there will always be those redneck kind-white and black. Who can forget the reaction to bombing of Pearl Harbor and Americans’ attitude toward the Japanese?

It is worse when the attitude infiltrates the church. Sameness-“yes” people-people who never disagree or challenge our belief system, our notions, and our prejudices do not do a good service to a church. Walking into a church and seeing all white/black/Hispanic/young/old people is not good.

God loves difference. So should we.

This is Stone 8 from the book by Randall Arthur.

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One more thing: I wrote here about one of my Heroes. I leave/left for Knoxville early Wednesday morning to move Tami back to live with us for awhile. I’d appreciate your prayers. It is supposed to be close to 100 degrees while we are there. I drive the truck back here on Friday. I’m going to take the rest of the week off from blogging. No sense in trying to keep up with comments, etc while loading, driving, then unloading. I will approve any comments on this post though. See you Sunday night/Monday morning. (That also means I will not be commenting on your blogs either. Just don’t forget me!)  🙂

 

8 Comments so far ↓

  1. That’s one thing I love about my church. I live in an area that is 99% white. We, though have black, white, Cuban, Haitian and we even have an Indian from India. It’s too cool.

  2. Daniel says:

    I have noticed the sameness in the last couple of churches that I have attended. Everyone who preaches or prays sounds like a clone of the pastor. I am left wondering why they can’t just be themselves and show that there are lots of different and equally effective ways to get from A to B.

  3. Ceil says:

    Hi Bill! Who can forget you, my friend?
    ‘Sameness’ has its problems when dealing with groups, and with the Body of Christ. Of course, many churches reflect the communities they come from, so that’s not necessarily a bad thing, if their minds are open.

    When hearts and minds are closed to others, how can we say this is Christ? He reached out to everyone, accepted everyone. We MUST do the same.

    Protect that back of yours! Bend at the knees with those heavy boxes. I’m glad you’ll have your hero home with you for a while. Hope you have good weather to get the move accomplished.
    Blessings,
    Ceil

  4. We won’t forget you, Bill! I’m so thankful that the church I attend is quite diverse with people of all backgrounds and ethnic origins are made to feel welcome.
    Happy moving for Tami! Blessings!

  5. floyd says:

    Amen, Bill. God loves all of His creation and calls His children to do the same.

    Praying for a safe trip and clouds.

  6. Lisa notes says:

    “God loves difference. So should we.” Amen. It’s not always easy, but always worth our efforts.

    Praying for your travels and loading/unloading in the heat. It’s a scorcher down here! Welcome to the south. 🙂

  7. Agree with you and praying for you in this transition. Blessings to you, Bill. Thanks as always. 🙂

  8. Deb Wolf says:

    Amen Bill! A top ten day for me is when our son married our beautiful daughter-in-love. Ours was one of very few white families in attendance. It was a bit awkward for some, until my husband prayed and we realized we all had Jesus in common. The group united, laughed, danced, and the photographer said it was one of the most enjoyable weddings he had ever attended.

    We must remember. when we have Jesus in common we have everything we need. Blessings!