27
Apr
Confessions of a Secular vs Sacred Junkie
Posted by: DUZIE / Category: Uncategorized, subMERGING
by Dan of DUZIE
When I was 18 years old I had a big choice to make. I was selected to be a part of Ringling & Brothers Clown College, to be trained for “the greatest show on earth” . . . or to attend Bible Collage and become “the greatest youth worker on earth”. This choice was a fork in my road, going into the “magic of entertainment” or the “ministry of evangelism”. I had to choose the Secular or the Sacred path.
I gave up my dream for the circus and went off to Bible college. I loved Bible college and threw myself into it fully. But along the way I began to separate everything in by life into Secular or Sacred!
My music was in two piles until I threw the Secular out. My activities were in two piles, until I only did the Sacred stuff. My friendships were in two piles until people believed like me or were left behind. Every hobby, desire and person got a label.
I was living a simple life in a “Sacred” box. My faith moved from loving everyone to listing everyone. The only reason I got to know “Secular” people was to get them in my box!
by the Dan side of DUZIE
Over the last few years we have listened to and learned much from younger believers, in regards to their “faith contribution”. We have loudly heard that they want to share their faith, share their story, and share their life as one contribution.
They believe that, “sharing” is a lifestyle which is embedded in living out their God given passions . . . and it is enjoyable! At least satisfying!
The problem is that many young people today feel evangelism has been systematized and programmed to the point they cannot release or relate their story between the 4 laws, 3 points, 2 loves and 1 Roman road. “It is not about an open air, but an open life,” as one put it.
Here is a FRIENDMAKER, a great way to make friends. Try it out!
By Dan of DUZIE
When I was a kid I remember well meaning youth workers and “christian adults” saying that I should not go to places like dances, bars and theaters because if Jesus came back He would not want to come in there to get me.
Even as a kid, those warnings made me tilt my head like a questioning puppy. I remember thinking, if Jesus hung with those people the first time He came to earth, why would He change on His second tour?
Jesus went to a least one wedding party where they . . . He served the best wines. He didn’t seem to be there to preach a sermon but to hang out with family and friends. He partied with tax collectors and sinners . . . there were prostitutes as well at these events. He had conversations with the terrorists of His day and associated with dirty beggars on the streets.
So was all this just an exclusive Jesus thing? Was it all just “ministry” to the targets of His day? Why is there such an absence of sermons and abundance of life among Jesus and these people?
I love the comment Jesus gave, “it is the sick who need a doctor”. He was very clear in saying He made house calls.
By Suzie of DUZIE
Chelsea, my friend who I have had the privilege to mentor for several years, is taking a leadership class at Spring Arbor College. The questions she asked me (Suzie) stimulated some mentoring thoughts and took me back to many wonderful days mentoring teenage girls!
Please make comments on anything you would add, or change from these thoughts I gave (in the comment section below). May it stimulate you to MENTOR those you see potential in around you!
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were my age?
I really didn’t have anyone to help me process my life questions when I was younger. Because of that, that is one of the first things I try to do in my mentoring friendships . . . to create an environment where anything can be discussed. This involves highlights, low-lights, struggles, sexuality, relationships, questions about God, etc. I don’t think I would want someone to “tell me something” on a one-off time, but be available to “walk the road” with me (like they say in South Africa) on what comes up in life. I think if you wanted to pin me down to one thing (which is what the question is actually asking) I would have to say that, “life is more than just for this moment”.
