I've never been what you would call a "Normal" Christian by any standard and I've never tried to be anybody but myself especially in Church or around my "Churchy" friends. I grew up in a very liberal church for small town Indiana and had some great Youth Group Leaders (thx Mike Baer and David Wheeler) who taught me at an early age about what being a Christian is and not trying too hard to look or sound "Religious".
My Small Group...Life Group....Whatever we call it these days, from EVC did an exercise the other night where we had to close our eyes and visualize ourselves in a safe place, then have Jesus come in and give us something or tell us something that God had laid upon our heart. I'm not going to tell you what he tossed my way as that's personal and for another time, but as Jesus and I stood up and said our goodbyes I FIST BUMPED JESUS! Remember this is in my head, but it just seemed completely natural and happened if I was saying goodbye to my best friend.
Now once again, this was supposed to be a very serious exercise and everyone was quiet and in deep spiritual thought, but I blurted out that I just fist bumped Jesus and left the room to get some coffee. I'm not abrasive by any means, but I am very blunt and speak my mind and I think I may have offended a few of the group, but it got me thinking a lot about our relationship with God.
Do you see God as this almighty Deity that you have to go up into a mountain to speak to and then use big "Churchy" words, or do you see Jesus as your friend, mentor, and companion that you can tell anything too and feel like you won't be judged or criticized?
Isaiah 55:6 says, "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near." and I really think that we have to go to God and let him know our daily struggles and trials. Our Success and our Failures. And I think the only way to do this is to Humble ourselves in front of God and be real and honest with him. Talk to him like you would if you poured out your heart to a friend over coffee or a beer. Don't try and use big churchy words when God really just wants to hear what is in your heart.
How do you see God. How do you talk to Him?
Comments
For a long time I tried to pray the way that I was taught, all serious and stuff, but I just can't do it. Usually my prayers are mumbled words in the morning to get my through the day before I even get out of bed, and short words of thanks when I feel thankful. Great post!