Where are we, exactly?

Whether you’re conscious of it or not, the church has taken a turn towards being a social club rather than being an instrument of Christ’s love. The typical church attendee shows up, talks over a cup of coffee, sits through the sermon, and leaves after some chit-chat. The rest of the week he shows no signs of being a Christian. Yes, he may be a nice guy, but does he openly profess to his beliefs, or does he merely state where he goes to church? I’m so sick of hearing, “Well, I was baptized in x church.” Don’t tell me about your church; tell me about what Jesus has done in your life. More importantly, show me by what you are doing for the kingdom of God.

So many times we are content with mediocrity. As youths, we will gladly go to church and talk with our friends, but when it comes to actually doing something for the ministry, we accept with a couple reluctant huffs. Are we really laying ourselves at the altar as human sacrifices? Are we really ready to give all our abilities, all our resources for the furthering of Christ’s abounding love, or are we giving an impure sacrifice? Are we giving our best, or only what is convenient for us?

Now, the church has become a clique. We have our gossip sessions in youth group, bible study, and prayer. Have you ever noticed how people brag about being prudes, and talk about the morals of everyone else in their work-place or school? Think about this: Have they ever tried to influence them for the better? They’d probably tell you yes, but can you blame the morally challenged people for not listening?  Does anyone want to listen to a stuck up jerk?

 We shoot haughty glances at visitors who may threaten the social fabric of our church. No longer do we want to go out and share Christ’s love, or even set an example by showing his love through our actions. We want to barricade the church doors, and hide. We want to leave the visiting, the helping, the smiling, anything that isn’t convenient for us to someone else. We can’t be bothered with loving everyone. We can’t be bothered with compassion. That’s for God not me.

I’m sick of hearing people complain about everything in this world. I’m sick of people crying over something someone said. Stop the crying, stop the hiding, and start showing God’s love through your actions. You’ll be amazed at how receptive people are to kindness. Honestly, are we allowing God to take hold of our lives, or are we sitting in our pews, fumbling with our hands?

Facebook and its Shenanigans

Don’t you love when someone posts something on Facebook, and you get that uncontrollable urge to reply with some sarcastic remark, ‘cause you just know that person is talking about you? If this has happened to you, then you must know the frustration of not wanting to stoop to the level of public humiliation. Maybe you did immediately update your status in vicious defense, or maybe you just complained to your computer screen.

This dramatic occurrence has happened to me a number of times, and despite my deep annoyance, I did nothing. I have observed that these dramatic statuses are basically a more personal equivalent to the internet term “trolling”. Trolling is the act of trying to openly humiliate someone on a forum by pointing out something stupid he or she said.  With a username, and the protection of the lovely internet, you can say whatever you want without accountability.

Facebook trolling, unlike forum trolling, is an attempt to make the target feel bad by telling all your online “friends” that some punk hurt your feelings. You probably have seen statuses that say, “If you want to say something about me say it to my face,” or, “You can’t hide who you really are for long.”

You can only laugh sympathetically at the cowardliness of these people. The first status is a complete oxymoron. If you have a problem with someone talking about you behind your back, deal with it yourself, instead of doing the same thing you have just complained about. Don’t announce to the entire world!

The second status (that I have personally seen in different words) is just immature. Again, if you have a problem, go to the person, or just shut up. Even if your accusation is valid, it is still garbage that need not trouble anyone. They are just cowards who hide behind the internet and rally their little buddies to come and feel sorry for them.

Now, I’m done with the ranting. What is the solution? Well, there isn’t any antidote to stupidity, but you can avoid doing this yourself. Next time you are in a terrible mood, and someone busts your emotional chops, just calm down. I know you are dying to flip out the ole blackberry and pound out your frustration into the keys, but please try and restrain yourself.

An Introduction

This is my first post on this site. So, I believe an introduction is necessary. This blog will be used as a traditional blog about anything I can think of that will spark discussion. My other section, however, will be used to write short stories at first until I have outlined a novel that I think you will enjoy.

If you haven't read my 'about me' section, my passion is writing, and I hope to run a successful blog here. A couple other things that weren't listed there, were that almost seven months ago I moved from the heavily populated upstate of South Carolina to a small town in Nebraska with a little over 800 inhabitants. My dad is now the pastor of a Baptist church here.

It takes an hour to get to a Walmart, and three hours if you want to shop in bulk or go to a mall. While living in a tiny place such as this can be inconvenient, I'm content.

I hope you guys enjoy reading my posts in the near future.

Thanks,
Aspiring Muse aka Luke