We’ve all heard versions of the innocent faux paux. You’re with your extended family and a child asks Grandpa “are those your real teeth?” There’s a brief moment of awkwardness, then Grandpa graciously says “No, they’re not – would you like to see them?” Everyone laughs and the story is told for years to come. There’s no anger because the question is asked innocently and without guile; simply a lack of maturity and discretion.
This happened to me recently when an adult family member asked me “do you consider yourself a Christian?” The person asking attends church and is a Christian. Other family members sat in silence waiting for my answer which tells me that in my absence my spiritual walk was a topic of conversation. Even more curious to me is that I believe it was asked in response to learning about my participation on The Sitting Room with Kathy Chiero. I know (and actually enjoy the fact) that many family members probably said in bewilderment… “what is Kathy thinking?!?”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I am happy that they wanted to lead me to the Lord before I began co-hosting a Christian radio show.
When I’m asked a question, I wonder if it is being asked because the answer is unknown or a cloak for an assumption already in place? In this case I believe it was the latter. I wasn’t upset because, like Grandpa’s teeth, it wasn’t mean spirited. I was told the question was being asked because I never talk with them about spiritual things. But I think, in truth, it was because I don’t live by their perception of what a Christian is, does, and says. While I’m not critical of how they live their lives and I believe we are each responsible to work out our own salvation, our definitions of “spiritual things” may differ. I don’t salt my conversation with “praise the Lords and God is Goods.” While I attend church, I don’t attend every Sunday. I enjoy beer and cigars. I don’t have bumper stickers on my car and I don’t wear Jesus jewelry. But I do talk about spiritual things. I don’t say “I’m believing God for more time with my children” but I do talk about how much I love my children and look forward to my time with them. Is that not spiritual? I don’t quote scripture in daily conversation, but I regularly give of my carpentry skills to those who have a need, quietly and without fanfare. Is that not spiritual? I don’t say “I’m praying for God to bring me a wife.” I say “I sure would like to find the right woman for me.” I believe the spiritual nature of all these things is overlooked because I don’t speak in the Christian vernacular.
So what is a Christian? The easy answer is to be Christ-like. We have a picture of Christ as a gentle, meek and passive man. But Jesus also called the religious of his day not-so-kind names. He showed impatience when a debate broke out about who would sit at His right hand. Jesus turned over tables in the temple – which, if He did today, would result in destruction of property charges and land Him in anger management classes requiring Him to pay restitution. And let’s not forget my favorite miracle eliminating a wine run at a wedding by turning the water into wine because scripture says they drank it all.
Actually, the question was an answer to prayer. I now had the topic of my first blog. It is a snapshot of the vision for The Sitting Room. I believe that the Church has an established blueprint about what a Christian is. And I also believe that there is a throng of believers who have become disenfranchised because their lives don’t match the blueprint. They do one of two things. They either hide behind a façade or they break away from the fold. If you stay, many times honesty becomes secondary to maintaining the facade. I refuse to live behind a façade. I have broken away and am still trying to figure out how I fit in.
I am very thankful that my friend Kathy does not wear “church goggles” and saw the true spiritual nature of my walk with God. She told me I was fine. God still had a plan for me and part of that plan is here on The Sitting Room.
Will I be in church this Sunday? I might. But I might be fishing with my kids or taking Curt to a Redskins game. (Amy doesn’t want to go to the game – she thinks football is stupid and the uniforms don’t match.) I believe God smiles on these things.
Hi! This is my first time looking at your site. I love what you say Curtis! I am sure that your voice is a refreshment to those who didn’t know how to express their feelings and sentiments! Bravo! And I say this with sincerety. There is so much I could write here and I will come back. I’m on my way to meet a friend for lunch. Congratulations to you and your co-host for taking the plunge and addressing real and profound issues–for seeing “the body of Christ” through different glasses. Ah, refreshing! …Like a cup of cold water in His name. Thanks! I’ll be back again sometime!
Interesting point of view, but one I think is very true of a lot of “Christians” who have broken from the folds. I read of more and more religeous organizations throwing away the scriptures and installing their own rules, instead of following God’s Word. I fear I may have to break from my church if our District leaders decide to follow a more liberal path, turning a blind eye to what God has labeled as sin and abominations, into the church. Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner. But we have to turn from our sin.
Your thoughts ring true for many, as it is now very hard in the United States of America to find a church that follows ALL of God’s Word, instead of watering it down. Good luck on your search, I may be looking soon, too.
Great info buddy, thanks for useful article. I’m waiting for more
Curtis!! good stuff brother you speak the truth i think evrybody can relate to this one way or the other im so excited that you and your friend were able to get this started i hope more people stumble upon this im sure they will enjoy it as i did. your right some are so tight up on their beliefs and actions they start to loose track of what really matters. others are so quick to judge others on the way you act, think, dress or talk but times change. its good to go to church every sunday or speak of god everyday but thats not (in my eyes) what Its about. working hard, being happy, taking care of loved ones and having as much clean fun as you can in life is what god wants for us all thats what i have been taught. i belive god will take care of the rest.