Stereotypes. They are every where. I could give examples but why waste my time? Let me get to the point. How about we get to the two stereotypes I can't stand.
1- All Christians are the same. NO! Clearly God created everyone differently for a reason!!! I don't even look like my sister and we definitely don't act alike. So why do people assume we are the same? Teachers always tell me at the end of the year "Well you are nothing like your sister." Geez, no freaking way?!?!? I am NOT her! But why is this stereotype about christians universally understood and accepted. Because of majority. Majority of christians use 'religion' and 'church' as a label to place them higher than the people who don't go to 'church' or have a 'religion'. Christian means Christlike. You know what Christ did? He healed people. He loved. He cared. He accepted. And He saved us. How can people stand to say I am Christlike but I cause drama, I gossip, I am selfish, I care ONLY about my group of people and blah blah blah. UGH! Come on people! What is wrong with you? Do you even listen to your preacher? Surely he has preached about loving your neighbor and reading your Bible. If not, maybe you should reconsider your church home. Don't take this the wrong way but how can you claim something you don't even understand or label yourself as someone you don't even know? Whoa, did I get off topic? Yes, anyway... All christians are not the same. Besides the not so christlike christians there are other types. There are christians who are laid back and work in their own community and there are christians who go into ALL nations to share the love of Christ. So not only in actions are christians different but in personality. Understood? Let's move on.
2- Mission trips. I'm not sure how exactly to put my thoughts into words. I feel as if people expect missionaries to be perfect. HELLO. EARTH TO YOU! Jesus was the only man to walk earth and live a perfect life. There you have it. Also missionaries don't have to be people who travel over seas or out of country. Big stereotype there. A missionary is anyone who tells the story of salvation to God's lost children. You know, I don't even like the label 'missionary'. It's very title-ish. Same as pastor. Well anyone can be pastor someone. Pastor could refer to 'position of a shepherd'. And we are all shepherds right? Shepherd's for the sheep, fisher's of men? Yeah you get it. Anyway. Moving on. If you haven't gone on a mission trip let me explain. It is not easy. This is a trip outside- no WAY outside- your comfort zone. That is not easy. Well wait. Scratch that. It's easier to share God's love and His message and call for someone's life to a stranger than to a friend(or foe). Easier, but not easy. Words aren't the only way to minister. This past week I discovered that being a child of God is a full time job. Not a title to carry but a mission. My mom gives me chores and duties to accomplish and I also get free time and fun time. Same in God's kingdom. He sends me on quests to fulfill and He also gives me my choice and my decision. But recently I dug deep into God's word and presence and He opened my eyes. The spot light should not be on me just because I went out of the country to tell people about Jesus. The spot light should ALWAYS be on God. He's the one that sent His Son to earth to save us. And He literally sent Jesus through Hell to redeem us of our sins. Why don't we just take a little time to be thankful for that? Let me tell you why we don't. Because we are stuck in our comfort zone where everything is peachy and perfect. The only time we rely on God is in trouble or when that zone is shattered. So I challenge you. Destroy the comfort zone. Go on a mission trip. No, don't leave the country. Stay home. Step out of your boundary and talk to someone about Jesus. In fact if God has been tugging at your heart to reach out to someone do it. Don't hold back. However you need to. Attack that mission and complete it with you whole heart. "Wake up child, it's your time to shine. You were born for such a time as this." How perfect could it be to listen to this song? Let those words soak in. Allow God to enter your heart and mind like all those modern day ads. Can we accept this challenge? Go change nations...starting in our own backyard.
We have nothing to lose. We have a strong foundation. It is time to start building. Don't let anything hold you back. Jump into this adventure like you jump into the pool on a hot summer day. And let go. God is in control.
--sea'sthoughts--
