First, I want to say that I struggled with writing this post. Because it's not really directed at the blogs I read by authors who have been victimized by very toxic spiritual abuse - their situations are unique (but I fear they are common). I think the nature of grace is that it allows space for understanding the particular cards one has been dealt, and their particular set of circumstances into the equation. Jesus dialed it up for some people, and dialed it down for others. Context matters. So please, when you read this, know that although I stand by what I'm preaching, I'm not trying to impose a standard universally. We all have process, and God is with us in that process. So please hear my heart... and understand my reservations about this post. Here goes:
Reactionary maturity is a pretty obvious oxymoron. But I have come across a certain attitude in the post-church blogosphere that I want to explore in this post.
Reacting to all the happy-clappy religious phoniness that people have grown so sick of, some seem to embrace a negativity as somehow "more authentic". As if it is more spiritual to be immature, constantly struggling with your own carnal nature. Strange.
I believe in the importance of being authentic, and being free to be who you are and being free to be where you are at (warts and all). I believe in the importance of weakness, and knowing we don't have it all figured out, and we are imperfect and broken humanity.
But cynicism is NOT a fruit of the Spirit. Sorry. I have been as cynical as anyone in this deconstructive journey, but eventually, God deals with that. We cannot live there. God does want us to grow up. Maturity is about life in the Spirit, not looking perfect or looking like we have all the answers (which is what everyone is reacting to).
So if we reject the happy-clappy phoniness, let's embrace God's answer in it's place, not our own carnality. Right? Am I missing something? Is there something I'm not seeing?
Friday, April 04, 2008
Reactionary maturity?
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6 comments:
Sarah,
A very thoughtful post. Seeking healing from the past is such a crucial step in the process to embracing the future. Plus, in my experience, no relationship lasts which is built simply on a mutual dislike for something. To build community (online or otherwise) on a foundation of cynicism will only result in further disillusionment. Thanks for sharing this.
I think that it is all part of the journey that you are on Sarah.. but I have never sensed any cynicism from you.. really! I think that part of it is all about being counter cultural :)
Thanks for the encouragement, guys.
Jeff, I appreciate your insight on foundations. Foundations are really important... At the same time, I understand that when deconstructing, it can take a while to get to the original foundation - and redo the foundation if necessary (I am very much still in this process). I wondered if this post reflected impatience on my part. But I want to continue to point to Jesus as He is THE solution, He is the image we are being transformed into... So I went ahead with it.
K-Bob, maybe cynicism hasn't been evident lately (because God really did deal with me on this), but perhaps it came through in older posts. It can still be a temptation sometimes, but I am trying to actively guard my heart and believe for the future, that things CAN change, and God CAN accomplish it.
Yes, we are a counter-cultural people. We are called to carry and represent and the culture of heaven (where our true citizenship is)! :)
aint it so true tho; I'm finding the iconoclasm of my 20's just doesn't float nemore. As I grow up the 30's begins to call me to be more of a statesman but more often than not I find myself with my foot in my mouth. Gone are the days of the anonymous rants; we are adults. I wonder if I will ever grow up.
Had a great coffee w/your hubby and Ryan this morning. Lookin forward to it again.
Cynicism is not a fruit of the Spirit - thanks for the reminder. Great words. I confess - I do use cynicism a lot. It is not good - no.
Blessings.
Wayne, yes I think age tempers us (although 30s is still quite 'green'), and experience humbles us, and God changes us. A good combo, all around! :)
Mork, glad you got something out of the post. And I haven't seen you here before, so welcome to this little blog! :) Good to have you.
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