Community & Relationships

Recently I have been reading a book called "Soulcraft: How God Shapes Us Through Relationships" by Douglas D. Webster. (Thanks to my friend Joy for the recommendation!) It has been a great read so far and is speaking to me in a variety of ways about relationships, how we disciple others, and how we build true, authentic community.  

Here's a quote from the the chapter called "Wholeness": 

"Does today's evangelical emphasis on the ideal Christian life match with the biblical picture of costly discipleship? Or have we created a false recipe for Christian happiness, which includes falling in love, sexual intimacy in marriage, a successful career and having well-adjusted children? "Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life" looks suspiciously like the American dream. Often it is hard for us to accept that God has in mind a greater agenda than our personal peace and happiness." 

So what are your thoughts on this topic?

I've been reading much about the single life and promoting a Biblical theology of singleness, only to come face-to-face with a non-Biblical view of the single life among churches and Christians. Instead of promoting authentic community, we have become individuals that oftentimes want to change others to be as we are. We no longer accept people for who they are, but accept them in light of who they will become based upon what the world has deemed "normal." 

I am afraid that we are placing more value upon our own peace & happiness than upon authentic relationship that comes only from Jesus Christ. We care too much about what others think of us, and far too little about what God thinks of us. We have placed marriage & family, success & money, and habits & locations, far above true obedience and sacrifice that should be the "norm" for those who are called to follow Christ.

Let's make a difference in the world, not because we conform to it, but that we leave a lastly impression of God's light, love and acceptance.