Wednesday, July 30, 2008

• Demonstrating Familiarity with God

  Currently Listening Revival in Belfast II By Robin Mark The Wonder of Your Cross see related

  
  
  
  

  

  
  
  

  
  I was reading a revelife blog today about differing viewpoints on whether or not calling God "daddy" is in some way disrespectful or irreverent.  It was a good article, and when all was said and done, the author concluded that "formality doesn't necessarily mean respect, and intimacy doesn't necessarily mean disrespect."
  
  I agree with that.  I have no problem with it whatsoever.  There must be a place where you can cross that line, but I don't think that is it.  Those that do, perhaps it's just something they think should be done privately, and more "respectful" titles should be used in a public setting, such as a church. 
  
  I attend a full gospel, I guess people call it a "charismatic" church, and I know for me anyway, I don't have a problem with some pretty radical demonstrations in worship, but some of the people I have seen seem to be going over into something more "private."  Not necessarily bad, mind you, just intimate enough to make me feel uneasy.  Maybe it's my own level of comfort that's the problem.  Maybe I'm too uptight.  Maybe it's not.  I mean, I wouldn't be  that passionate with my husband in public out of courtesy for others (among many other reasons) and I don't feel too comfortable when others do, either.  I think of it the same way when people get super emotional, or just demonstrate behavior that translates into intimate passion, during a church worship services. 
  
  I believe it's simply immature behavior; young Christians that maybe haven't learned that there's a time and a place for all things.  It almost makes it seem trite to me.  It's not a fling, after all, or summer love.  We don't have to squeeze all of our love, emotion and affection in quickly before the vacation is over.  Our personal relationship with God is intended to be a permanent, committed relationship.  That doesn't make them wrong for doing it, but it might mean that it's best saved for the ol' prayer closet.  God is a God of order, after all, and something about this is a bit out of order, particularly when it is disruptive or becomes something of a show.  Passion, familiarity, intimacy... maybe they are not for the public eye.  Relax, grow up a bit, learn. 
   
  I don't want to have a bad attitude about the way people behave in their personal relationships with the Lord.  It's not my intention just to point my finger.  It's not for me to judge.  However, some things are more controversial than others, and practically force you to pay some kind of attention to them.  I am truly tired of watching Christians lambaste each other over differences in their beliefs.  Usually just a little clarity helps, and personally, I need all the help I can get.   Please chime in on this, all of you who are troubled by it, and all of you who think it's perfectly fine, because I'm not sure I really understand all I know about this. 
  
  
  
  

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