Not what I thought

I felt convicted about something very specific last week. On the sixth floor of Jordan Hall whilest sitting on the pot not doing much of anything, it hit me.

For a while now, myself and several other people I know have utilized 'sunday school' in a negative way. You know, like, "don't give me that Sunday School answer, Carol," or "Give me a real answer, not the sunday school answer," and I don't think it is at all appropriate. One, it doesn't make sense one bit. Two, it perpetuates this idea that Sunday School doesn't offer truth/reality. And Three, it communicates the notion that there are facets of the Christian life or lifestyle that aren't worth retaining. I don't think I'm going to use 'sunday school' like that anymore (well, at least I'm going to fight it).

It all originated as I was thinking about blogging and how I got caught up reading blogs and following people that I thought were 'cool' or 'hip.' I've always shared blogs with people around me, but it got to the point where I only told people about the 'good stuff.' Carlos would write something sweet and inspire me and then I'd naturally want to share it with others. Looking back, it was a logical progression, if something moved me, I'd appreciate it and maybe share it- but if it didn't, I'd just let it slide in one ear and force it out the other. Yes, I know I'm weird. Yes, that is incredibly silly, but it brought all the walls down for me...



Example One: I've always told Jordan that Michael W. Smith was soooo Sunday Schooly that I couldn't stand to listen to his music. And of course, she'd respond with something like, "what does sunday schooly sound like exactly?" Oh, that wily minx (Friends reference). I wanted something not so 90s. I wanted the new millenium, ya know? Give me some Crowder or Hillsong. I was so intent on making the Gospel cool that I was rejecting it. WHAT THE HECK? Who am I to determine what works, what doesn't? What sells and what doesn't? What changes lives and what doesn't? I was making it all about me, me, me and not Him, Him, Him.

Example Two: Example one has a profound impact on my life. Worship music moves me to places I don't know. Music is one of the more effective ways I think I encouter God. It is definitely how I worship (and hope God enjoys)! That being said, music shapes the worship experience for me. So as you might imagine, 'sunday school' thoughts fairly frequently cross my mind during and about CHURCH. I think (or know) the devil gets the best of me quite frequently. Do we have to be told what to say? This hymn, AGAIN? Why shouldn't I invited someone to church just because I don't think they'll want to come or I don't think they will like the music. Just because the Holy Spirit doesn't speak to me with a certain type of music or place does not mean I shouldn't invite others to meet Him there. Should I make it harder for others to commune with their creator? Or even ignore God's voice to invite someone?

I hope Christ continues to show me my place. I think I can say I put myself higher than I should more often than not but I'm learning. I wish I wasn't as slow as I am, but I'm getting there....