You know I've been a frustrated soul for, geez, what seems like forever. I mean, I think I was the inspiration for the Stones' "I can't get no satisfaction!"
Today I started reading Shane Claiborne's latest book, 'Rethinking Life: Embracing the Sacredness of Every Person.' As I thumbed through the introduction while sitting at work, I actually, and without realizing I was even doing it, started to rethink my own life.
There was a group exercise class meeting at the time. Most of these were people I'd become friends with, but I've lately started to feel them back away as they've gotten to know me better (as so often happens). None of them are really 'people of faith,' and it slowly dawned on me this morning: We are not the same.
You know, by nature I've always been one of those people who desperately wants everyone to like me. But more than that, I think since I've been a follower of Jesus (and especially as a pastor), I've wanted to be liked by people outside the church/faith. I've not wanted to be viewed as one of "those Christians." And, yes, sometimes I've even been ashamed to admit I was a pastor and/or Christian.
As I sat and thought about it - this feeling of being spurned by yet another batch of people I wanted to like me - it started to become clear. I've been looking for acceptance and love in all the wrong places!
Maybe it's taken so many times of this happening to finally break through my thick skull. I really do WANT to be friends with Jesus. He is who I want to follow... not the "cool kids." And it's not that I don't want to be friends with others - even those outside the faith - but I need to quit worrying about whether they like me or not, and look more to Him.
So, I'm hoping this new book by Shane will help me rethink other areas of my life as well.
Thank you, Jesus.
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