i speak in generalities
being careful not to let others see the detail
because if they see the detail
(they see me)

when i was in college there was a phrase i heard over and over again…
i even used it a time or two myself…it made so much sense…(at that time)

it started out innocently…but it seems to have evolved into something it wasn’t suppose to be…

the phrase…”im just being real”

now i believe when it first “came about” it was referring to christians who acted like they had it all together…and they (christians) never thought they could express the struggles, doubts, imperfections, etc. that they had…so here began a movement…a movement for the church to be a place where imperfect people felt comfortable…
(redundant?…church=imperfect people)

christians were sick of the stereotype of “holier than thou” or “hypocrites”…so the time had come….
the time to be open and honest!

which i don’t think is that bad…

but it seems the phrase now has moved from the above purpose…to something different…

i’ve heard this phrase multiple times in reference to people who are expressing their struggles…but not doing anything about it…it seems they hold on to this phrase so they can continue to “be real” (sin)…

i’m reminded of a verse…

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
-I timothy 1:13

it seems paul is giving a distinction from unbelievers and believers…
unbelievers – ignorant
believers – should know better

if we are indeed a follower of Jesus Christ…we are not ignorant…we know better…
(so we must change)

“forgive us”

ok…so it seems everyone is on the same page when it comes to this type of evangelism…

so here’s what we did that night it happened…

nothing

we did nothing…(even though when it happened thoughts like that of my “Russian” friend ran through my head) although we felt we had a good case to go up to them and say…”look man…that was bold what you said…but do you really think that is the best approach?” (which I guess he would say yes otherwise he wouldn’t have done it).

we felt it would have just caused more problems if we were to say something…I mean think about it…obviously this person feels strongly about this otherwise he wouldn’t have got up in the middle of the restaurant and said what he said…so if we were to say something…he would have probably been real defensive…and it would have been met with too much negativu (funkier negativity)

and I do agree with anonymous (whoever that is) in that we are not to judge…but I also think that we are called to correct a brother at times too…especially if it involves wrong theology…(which this was probably not wrong theology…but maybe wrong methodology)

then again…maybe it does work for people…maybe I’m just being snobby in thinking my way is the best way…

“continue to mold us lord…”

im headed to the usc / arkansas game…wish us (Arkansas) luck…(we need it)