On the other side of crazy...

Have you ever heard about some of the crazy things Christians do in the name of their faith? Here are some examples (written from my perspective):

- "I won't go to coffee with my coworker of the opposite sex, even if it's just a quick Starbucks run."

- A coworker (male, is having troubles with his wife) "That's not something I can help you with - you'll have to ask my husband."

- They invite you to their church - persistently.

- Won't watch certain movies (Hangover 2, for example)

- Don't listen to "normal" radio stations

This list could go on and on. Even as near as two years ago, I can remember having doubts about people like this. They weren't allowed to listen to their favorite radio station anymore? No more Metallica or Rob Zombie or _______________? (Insert whatever music you like here). I thought those "rules" were insane. I thought this Christianity thing was supposed to bring LIFE, not boredom.

But the harsh reality is that, for true Christians (those following Christ, not cultural christians), the perception of what LIFE is changes. It changes drastically (for the better) and I can say this because it's happened to me. I'm not talking about a little bit of change either. I'm talking about a complete, 180 degree turnaround. Those who have known me for a long time have seen it, and have even said to me "you've really changed." (I'm not sure that was intended to be a compliment, at the time, subject for another post.)

So now, when my alarm clock goes off in the morning, and the radio is on a common "Mix" radio station, and I hear the announcers talking about things like divorce, cheating, lying, teenager problems, etc., it makes my stomach churn. When I hear the songs they play.... "raise your glass" or "get drunk" or "party all night" or "sex" this or "hit" that.... etc.... I can't take it anymore. I can't listen to some of my favorite songs anymore (from the past). I guess I never realized what they were about- either that or I just didn't care. And I sure don't want my daughter listening to that. Or that culture will become just as ingrained in her as it did in me. If you don't believe me, watch a recent KidzBop commercial.

Let's just visit some of my favorite excerpts from these songs (sarcasm intended!)
The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars
"Throw my hand in my pants." Really?

On the Floor by J.Lo
"Drink a little more" ... "Vodka and Coke" ...

Tonight, Tonight by Hot Chella Rae
"Girlfriend cheated on me... but whatever, it doesn't matter." and "Woke up with a strange tattoo, don't know how I got it..."

This is just scratching the surface. I used to think stuff like this was harmless - that the kids probably wouldn't notice and/or understand all this anyway, so why does it matter? But it does matter, and it matters because God has changed my heart.

The purpose of me writing all of this isn't to convert anybody today. But before this change started in me, I can remember looking at some of my Christian friends and thinking they were a little bit nuts for some of their choices. I suppose that I just felt it would be good to promote some understanding between those Christian and not.

Perhaps this is a topic of interest to me because of my background. For a long time, I really believed that I had to "be good" and "obey God's laws" if I wanted salvation, which is hard because I didn't even know what all of God's laws were (and I probably still don't). Fortunately, that isn't the case. Salvation is a free gift, and that's important - because no human person can overcome sin 100% of the time and be perfect - it's not possible. Thankfully, God took care of that by sacrificing his Son to cover all our sin.

For those of you that want the "meat" and not just the "potatoes" ....

I have been reading in Romans lately, and today specifically Romans Chapters 7-8. Chapter 7 talks about God's laws, and how they bring nothing but death because of sin. Let me try to explain this better, with some excerpts from Romans 7-8.

- Sin takes advantage of God's commandments, and deceives me. (Example: I am a sinful human (as we all are) and whenever I eat more than I should, instead of me being able to move on, I am crippled by guilt. This is because of sin.)

- The trouble isn't with God's holy law, but with me. I want to do what's right, but instead I do what's wrong anyway. The sin within me causes this.

- If sin controls you, it leads to death, but letting the Holy Spirit control you leads to life and peace.

Now here's where we say, "Okay, I'm supposed to let something ELSE control me? Yeah Right. I'm in control here." (Which is exactly what I used to say, and what I often revert to.) And that's when mature Christians will tell you that whether you think you're in control or not, you aren't. There are two choices: Either God's in control, or sin is in control.

And some good news:

You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living within you. (8:9). Well, how do you get the Spirit of God to live within you? Just ask him. Just say "God, I want to give my life to you. I want you to allow your Spirit to live in me, and be salt and light to others." Or something similar. Don't use my words, use your own!

One last thought.

"God causes everything to work together for the good of those that love God and are called according to his purpose for them." -Romans 8:28

I haven't quite figured out why yet, but God has called me to write posts like these. To me, I seemed like the unlikely candidate. But His ways are perfect, and He knows exactly what He's doing. :)

Rest

Last night, I stayed up late and finished my research paper for my ecology class. For the last few weeks, I have been having a very difficult time going to bed. I don't know if it's all the late night coffee (which usually doesn't affect me) or just the amount of stress I have been (put myself) under, but sleep wasn't coming easy. I would lay in bed for a long time - thinking - before I could finally go to sleep. (Ironically, I could sleep at the drop of a hat upon opening the ecology book...)

Last night, afraid I'd have the same problem, but having finished all my "work" I opened a devotional my mom gave me a couple of months ago. My bookmark was in early June. Obviously it had been a while since opening this little treasure. I turned to July 6, and here is what I found.

"In the order of creation, rest-ful night came before the working day, assuring us that rest is part of the natural rhythm and restoration of our fragmented lives." -Jane Rubietta

The verse to go along with this little gem: Proverbs 3:24

In context,
"My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap." - Prov. 3:21-26, NLT (Emphasis mine, on vs. 24)

Last night when I read this, I got through the Jane Rubietta quote and fell asleep with the book in my hands. The first thing I did this morning was read the rest of the page and the verse. Praise God, I slept good last night!

Some know and others don't, that my goal in completing my MS in Biology is not just to get paid more at my current job. It's not just to get a higher paying job either (although that is eventually part of the plan). The main purpose is to gain credibility in science in order to speak to teachers and parents about why science education is important, and how to teach the controversial topics we have to teach in public school without setting stumbling blocks before our kids. There are many authors who've written that the first time they ever doubted their faith was in a 9th grade biology classroom. Graduate students of science (myself included) face consequences for "allowing faith to cloud our judgment." While I haven't personally experienced it, I know it's out there. I never thought I'd be called to apologetics, but I find myself faced with the fact that God is pulling me in that direction.

So while I've been working hard at maintaining my GPA and checking one more class off the list, I seem to have been neglecting two things: Bible study, and sleep!

From my devotional again: "While we may be able to multitask like the best superwoman, it takes a toll on us. We must give our bodies the rest they need and deserve. Do you want to enjoy everything God created for you? God created rest. Take a break."

And so today, I am resting, reading my Bible, and doing laundry. Ha! :)


Devotional from "Take my Heart, Oh God" by Sarah Young