Skip to main content

When Worlds Collide





We, my friend and I, were talking.  It was a while ago, so I don't even remember what we were talking about at the time.  It might have been something political or financial I am not sure.  What I do remember is that one minute we were having a nice conversation and the next, moment we were in the middle of an argument.

I imagine most of us have been in that same predicament, at one time or another.  Later we wonder, "What happened?"

It's true that some personalities just clash.

But...

not always.

Sometimes it is more than just a difference in personalities that clash.

It's worlds, ideas, and beliefs that clash.

We see it in the political setting and the legal setting quite often.

If you don't believe me,

mention the word "abortion",

or "homosexuality" there will be an instantaneous clash of worlds.  You can almost hear metal clanging against metal in the spiritual war that takes place.

Usually, for most of us, the collisions with the world are way more subtle.

I mean, we expect to have a collision with the world in the area of abortion or some other sector where the battle lines are clear.

but in the field of work ethic or

in the area of relationships often we find ourselves clashing with others.

We wonder what happened, but, in reality, what has happened is that our Christian worldview
is at odds with the worldview of the world.  The Bible says that we cannot love God and this world.

Either we will have a Christ worldview, or we will adopt the worldview of this world but we cannot have both worldviews.

Often, I fail to see the skirmish as a spiritual one.  I blame it on other things,

intolerance,

small-mindedness

but, if I'm honest, it is a battle of two worlds.

If, and when,  I remember this I can extend grace and mercy to the person because I know that they do not have "spirit eyes."

In those cases, often the best we can do is love them and ask God to give them eyes to see.

In those times, I am reminded that we cannot expect a person of this world to have the mindset of Christ.

They won't, they can't until God works in them.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What’s That Smell?

To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. 2Corinthians 2:16 Last break!  The shift was almost over. Then the unthinkable happened, this man appeared out of nowhere wanting to know where the flashlights were kept.  As we were on our way to the flashlights, I noticed that this man had a very strong odor.  I thought perhaps I could get in front of him so that the smell would not be as strong.   That, however, was not to be either since; he insisted on keeping pace and walking right beside me. By the time we got to where the flashlights were; I was practically running just to keep ahead of him.  I showed him the flashlights and made a hasty exit.  If you’re like me, you shower and even put on perfume or cologne so that you will not stink.  We are concerned that the smell coming from our body is not offensive to others.  As I write this, I wonder if we are as concerned with our spiritual aroma as ...

Grow Old Gracefully

I’d like to tell you about a lady I visited yesterday.   She is ninety-five years young.  She recently moved into nursing home.  She asked one of the workers how many times she would have to walk around the outside of the building in order to walk a mile.  She said the person told her about ten.   Then she leaned in really close and whispered, “I walked around twelve just to be sure I walked a mile.”  Hahahaha! What a lady!  She loves to keep active, even in a nursing home.  As we talked, I saw no anger or bitterness in her speech or actions. There was only a love for God, a heart of compassion, and a sense of humor. She has befriended the one "prickly pear" at the home because as she said, “I have to love her, so she knows Jesus loves her too.”  Wow!!! I need to live like that!  I want to show that much compassion for those around me that need Jesus.  She loved to talk about God and what he was teaching her. ...

Thank You God For Turning Our Ashes into Beauty

There are tragedy and sadness in everyone's life, No one is exempt. Yet, in the midst of the hurt and pain, God is there. He takes the things that hurt us and make us sad and turns them into things are beautiful. The death of my mother  was a tragedy to my dad. However, because of that tragedy, my dad began to see his need for God. In his brokenness, he found a God that could make him whole.  God turned his ashes into beauty. My dad, in turn, taught me to love God.   I am blessed to know God as my savior because of my dad. God also blessed me with a lovely step-mom Life is harsh at times, and many things are sad,  Yet, if we let him, he will take our ashes and make them into a work of art.   He delights in making the ash heaps of our life beautiful.   When we are broken, God is near, and where there is sorrow, he will turn it into dancing.   Thank you, God, F...