Need Food. Amen.
Soeur's friend got royally defensive yesterday when I casually asked if he went to church. My question was prompted by his pointing out a popular church across the street from where we were standing. He responded by widening his eyes, pointing his finger at me, and dramatically proclaiming, "No, I don't. DON'T JUDGE ME! I'm a very spiritual person." Dude, I wasn't judging; just asking a follow-up question to your comment about a popular Manhattan Church that most non-church-goers wouldn't know about (and the very one where in fact my mug occasionally makes an appearance). Geez. Sensitive topic, I guess.
Have you heard the phrase, "Scripture is food for the soul?" I have. And my soul hasn't eaten lately. It's actually freaking starving. I think it went into hibernation mode. To address this hunger and unable to shake yesterday's alarming late-night hysteria exhibited by Soeur's friend, I got mine butt to church this evening.
God lives. This is how I know: Tim Keller's sermon today on Paul's words in Romans centered on the act of judgment - the very thing that Soeur's friend freaked out about last night. Tonight's message reiterated that it is indeed not within my right to judge anyone, their actions, their thoughts, or motives. It is only within my right to do as I would hope others would do me. It is our role to forgive and leave the judging to the big man. That Jesus will judge us on how well we ourselves hold up against the same standards to which we hold others is a firm reminder of the Christian faith; that there is someone bigger than us all who calls the shots. Word. I mean, Amen.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteVery nice post for a couple of reasons. One of them being your use of the word, "word." My little brother is singlehandedly trying to reestablish "word" back to its 1980's prominence. It's good to see its use in the blogosphere and in the mecca which is NY.
More importantly, you're spot on about judging and food for the soul. I've had very recent reminders of this - to include your blog entry. Thank you. BTW, I have an older brother in Kew Gardens that I hope to visit when I get back to the US in a couple of months. Don't be surprised if I ask you info on the church you mention.
Chris
Chris - it bothers me that I can't just respond to the e-mail in my inbox when folks leave comments on juliaipsa. So here I am responding in the form of a comment instead. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you'll somehow get this missive..."Dude, please don't hesitate to ask anything you want any time. I'll be more than happy to share any info I have. Toodles!"
ReplyDelete