Entering the Next Chapter

In the past I thought being a good Christian meant wearing a mask. Projecting an image of happiness and wholeness to all those around me. I thought the mask would help others to see Jesus through me. It would keep my brokenness from becoming a distraction to others. I would wear this mask that I created and when the mask would slip, I would become overcome with guilt for failing as a Christian. Through the last several years, I have found that sometimes people can see God most shining through the cracks of my brokenness. I was doing God no favors by being artificial. God wanted to use my brokenness. He wanted to heal my brokenness. He wanted to love me in my brokenness. As a society we have things that are stigmatized. Things that go unspoken for fear of rejection and judgement. Sadly, this is not much more different in our Christian walk.There are some subjects that are uncomfortable and can make us feel vulnerable. Top Three Things Christians Hide: (Some of these overlap) 1.

We have reached a sad time in our society. We live in a place that prefers political correctness over truth. We are taught that we each have personal rights and truths, and that we should not disrespect or push our truths onto others... recently is has gone even further than that... It has gotten to a point where if your truth is not the world's truth you should hide it, in order to hide it and keep the peace. Last week, as I was listening to Bott Radio Network, I heard a news story that grabbed my attention. LSU had photoshopped out the crosses, on some students shoulders, as to not offend non-Christians. What was even more shocking is the fact that LSU used to be a seminary.... So how does a college, previously a seminary, become so fearful of the reactions of some people that they go against freedom of religion and freedom of speech? This is the before and after I know that LSU has issued an apology and that this is old news, but I am more focused on the implications of

Our current state of society is based on "If...Then"s. For example, if my boss gives me a raise, then I will work harder. If my landlord fixes the leak, then I will pay my rent. If my I lose weight, then I will feel better about myself.  As Christians, we are supposed to be Christ-ones. The facts are if God had chosen to give us the the punishment we deserve, then I would end up in Hell. If Jesus only loved the "religious" people, then I would have never known God's grace and provision. BUT He didn't. God sent us a sacrifice to cover our sins. God loves the unloveable. Jesus died for those who hated Him. The fact is as a Christ-one we should do all things to glorify, including the way we treat and react to others. We are to honor our commitments.  We should seek God for our fulfillment.  Matthew 5:37 " All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’;  anything beyond this comes from the evil one." 1 Corinthians 10:31 " So whether you eat o