I haven’t posted much ’cause I’ve been reading and re-reading the comments from Wednesday.

“Sojourner” commented, “…follow the spirit (of the law) in the moment – being a Christian is about whose you are and not about what you do …”

Nancy said, “Not that it is wrong to see what is going on around me, but it is wrong to take my focus off of Jesus, for He is the way, the truth and the life.”

Pastor recommended Romans 8, which I’m reading again.

And I think Ed is siding with the first camp. “I try to make it easier for them to discover Jesus in their world. For when they come to know Christ, their hearts will begin to change, and ultimately their actions.”

I want to know how this all plays out in the U.S. today. Let’s take Prop 8 and homosexuality, since Ed brought it up.

Part of me agrees that the laws of a nation – especially a nation that insists “God bless America” at every turn – should reflect God’s law. Part of me knows that God judges nations as well as individuals. Wicked societies don’t end well when God shows up – and He’s about to show up.

Part of me goes, “I know that people don’t get this right now – that they think I’m some fundamentalist nut, but they don’t know what’s coming. Someday – someday every eye will see and this will all make sense. My wisdom will be justified.”

Then there’s this other part of me that goes, “Ya, but how many people are you turning away from Christ in the meantime?” This other part of me wants to just love people all the way to Jesus where – as Ed pointed out – their hearts will change like mine did. This other part of me wonders if it’s worth it to push off legalizing homosexual marriage a few more years, because in the meantime a generation of people confused about sexuality think we hate them – that the Church hates them, that our God hates them – and they’re hating us back.

And then the first part of me argues that it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convict the world of sin. That I don’t save people, etc.

Thoughts?

“The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly.”

- Soren Kierkegaard

I have no idea how to be a Christian.

Seriously. I get so overwhelmed sometimes with the newest ideas and trends and causes and findings and teachings and books that I get lost in all of it.

There’s one “camp” – if you will – that says we’re Christians so we just love people unconditionally and strive to do nothing that would alienate someone from the Church or Jesus. Because it’s about introducing people to Christ, right? So don’t get in the way or they’ll tie a millstone around your neck or something. Don’t be controversial. Stay out of politics. Just do the good deeds with no strings attached and love people.

And that’s good. I know “love your enemies” and “turn the other cheek” and “slave of all.” I like it when people like me, so I’m all for avoiding things that make people not like me.

At the same time, though, I wonder where you draw the line. Do you draw the line? There has to be a line somewhere that gets crossed into “compromise.” For example, when a high school student you know tells you she’s pregnant you love her – not condemn her. You pray with her, advise her, etc. What if she decides she “has” to have an abortion? At what point do you tell her she’s wrong because you’re supposed to speak Truth and be a faithful witness to the reality of Christ?

So then there’s this other “camp” that says you maintain holiness at all costs. Protest. Pray in public. Lobby. Be a light in the darkness. Demonstrate that discipleship is a tough road to travel, and scripture does not agree with our social norms.

And that’s good. I know the story of Elijah on Mt. Carmel. I know “take up your cross” and that “follow Me” doesn’t just mean say a prayer and go on your merry way.

But I see it go too far, too often. People protest funerals in the name of my God with signs that scream horrible (false) things about the deceased. Not okay.

I’m sure that the answer is balancing the two, but I struggle sometimes with where the line is. And I’m sure part of the answer to that probably has to do with reading the gospels more and hearing from God in each specific situation. The whole thing is difficult sometimes, though, and I just don’t want to do it wrong.

Anybody feel me? Or is it just me? Am I over-analyzing, or is someone else’s head swimming? Help?