HUDDLE UP!

 I am reading a book recommended by my blogger friend, Martha (you can find her HERE & she is a wonderful poet and writer).  It has hit me squarely between the eyes and humbled me---more about that to come---after I finish reading it.  In the Introduction I became convicted and hopefully will take it all to heart and grow.  Really a great book--that I am certain  will inspire future posts.

The book is about how we should be listening.  In the introduction the author challenged me about who I am listening to.  I am guilty-guilty-guilty of loving to be in that holy huddle of believers.  I love to discuss our faith with other believers--love to be challenged by them---love to study -learn- and be stretched by my peers.  The truth was pointed out quickly by the author--that in most ways we all look alike.  Their views closely parallel mine and, when we discuss, it becomes a "social echo chamber".  GASP!  Here is an excerpt from the introduction---not even into the meat of the matter yet -

"The great hope of the Internet has been that dialogue will prevail, that people with different theologies, worldviews and politics will log in to learn, grow, and communicate with those who disagree with them.  Yet, it would seem that social media has helped people connect with like-minded people, and the unfortunate consequence has been the intensifying and radicalizing of beliefs and the deeper entrenchment of people's beliefs.  We settle into our own little truth corners."

Think you are not guilty?  When is the last time you explored an opposing viewpoint with anyone in any arena?  Are we afraid of being challenged?  Can we not listen to each other?  My sweet counselor friend told me when my daughter was leaving to go off to college, "Be sure she is grounded in her faith, because it will be challenged in the upper education environment."  Well---are we grounded enough to be able to listen to another so that we will have the opportunity to explain our faith?  Can you explain that faith?  I don't mean with "the party line"---I mean on a personal basis.  Have you thought about what God has done for you personally and, given the opportunity, can you discuss it without condemning another's view?  Are you aware that usually we go on the attack when we are feeling insecure or threatened when discussing with someone of an opposing view?  One more quote from the book introduction ~

"What the Bible portrays as a household of faith instead becomes a scattering of encampments, people who warm themselves by their own fires, whoop with their own war cries, listen solely to their appointed leaders and only interact with the other camps when firing arrows."

I am not a Biblical scholar, but I am pretty certain Jesus did not preach war---and I know for a fact he did not always sit with those of like mind.  He listened.  Now, do not get me wrong--we are instructed in The Word to gather together to worship.  Iron sharpens iron.  We are also given the great commission---and we can only be obedient if we are wiling to step out of the huddle.  I am being challenged with every page and pray these words will cause you to think also.  Huddling up is great--but the real action begins once the huddle is broken.  It's time for me to step away from the huddle.  BREAK!

"All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of

The Father

The Son

and

The Holy Spirit,

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

Matthew 28:18-20