My non religious friends vs my religious ones

Majority of my friends are either non religious or of a different faith. It doesn't bother me. I see them for their talents, their support and the many ways they add to my life. But there is a difference between my non religious friends and my religious ones. My non religious friends talk about religion a whole lot more.

I always find it amusing when someone who has made it a point to not believe in any type of God, or follow any kind of religion, wants to discuss religion. But then people generally love talking about what they know nothing about. These discussions aren't sourced in curiosity, where they simply want to learn more about me and my life; they are rooted in a determination to prove that there isn't a God.

Besides this blog, I make it a point to never dicuss religion. It's too touchy of a subject. No one can fully understand why a person belongs to a specific religion or chooses not to believe at all. And those from the same religion always have different viewpoints about the "right" way to practice. So as a personal rule, religion is not something I bring to the table for conversation.

But my non religious friends greatly enjoy talking about it. They can sit for at least half and hour discussing God and why there isn't one and how religion is destroying mankind. I usually remain quiet, and let them repeat over used phrases that most non religious people use when they discuss religion, without joining in on the debate. There isn't anyway I can prove how much I love God to them, and to me our being on this planet is proof enough that there is a God, so arguing furiously the way they do is pointless to me.

However, one day I had had enough. Not only did I find it odd that people who claimed not to believe in God were saying his name like they were close friends with him, but I was tired of the unmasked insult of being foolish for believeing in something "unseen."

When a guy I knew mentioned how he hated people pushing religion on him and the world would be a better place if religion didn't exist I replied:

 "I agree that no one should force you to believe in something you don't, but you have no right to persuade someone to not believe in something. To you God is a manmade thing causing havoc, but to many it is the sole reason they even get out of bed in the morning. God is hope for many. He is what they have when all else is gone. Having him, and being able to practice worship, makes them happy and feel a sense of peace. If you don't believe what difference does it make if someone tells you you'll burn in hell. You don't believe in hell; you don't believe in God so the words hold no weight, but to sit there and make someone feel stupid for believeing in perhaps the one thing that gives them strengh is a big deal, because you at least have learned to live without religion; how do you plan to replace God for someone who has known him and was turned away. How do you plan to give someone back their source of strength, hope and faith once you have destoryed it?"

He was quiet and has not brought up religion in my presence again. The point is, regardless of what you believe you have no right to shun, mock, or be insulting towards what another person believes. 

Let Them Judge

 

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Colossians 2:16-17

When the words and expressions of others get to me; when I let their judgements of trivial matters affect me; I remember the words above. How silly is it to let someone's opinion of your choice of food or music matter to you.

We are quicker to be offended by how someone sees our taste in food than by our moral standpoint. We would rather fight for our hobbies than our principles. 

The trivial life pursuits of others should not weigh so heavy on our minds. Yet somehow it does. We don't want to associate with those who dislike our favorite movie. It's become more appalling for someone to reject our sense of style than our sense of self worth. 

The songs that fill your ears are not nearly as descriptive of you as the words that fill your heart. What you feed your mouth is not quite as important as what you feed your mind and soul. While it may be interesting to learn how others live through their food, fashion, and day to day life style choices, do not let this alone be an adequate picture of who they are. 

We are more than our breads and butter and do not let the dismissal of a personal preference get your feelings in a wave. Pay them no mind for you are more than anyone will ever know.

Sweater: forever21

Hat: thrifted

Jeans: urbanbehavior

Prayer of Praise

To him who is able to keep you from falling, and to bring you faultless and joyful before his presence--to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be Glory, majesty, might and authority, from all ages past, and now, and forever and ever!

Why Christians Struggle

“This is why so many Christians struggle to live as the light of Christ on the world—we aren’t plugged into our power source. Although God called us to be lights in the darkness, we fail so often because we are unplugged and trying to shine in our own power.”
—     Radiant: Living as Light in a Dark World by Marian Jordan

Confessing and Rejecting Christ

If anyone declares publicly that he belongs to me, I will do the same for him before my father in heaven. But if anyone rejects me publicly, I will reject him before my Father in heaven.

Luke 12.8-9