Wow, those are a couple of doozies considering I thought I was being a happy go lucky nice guy. I really don't know what to make of it. Was I different at one time and suddenly am unfriendly or were these epiphanies a long time coming? I don't feel any differently, but that may be old age setting in I guess! ;-)
Is it really sinful to not be super friendly or warm? Where is the line on how far I should take the friendliness? Should I invite everyone I meet to dinner?
Part of my angst with the whole thing is that it seems a bit "man made". Maybe if there were scripture that reinforced how we are to behave all the time it would be easier! :-) I guess the point these 2 are trying to make is that there are some meetings/times that are God ordained and that I am not in tune with it. The fear that my introvertedness (if that's a word) is robbing the Lord of opportunities to bless others and or learn something about myself.
I have to think more on this one.
2 comments:
Fun to swing by and catch up on Taggart life through your blog.
If being kind and friendly feels "man made," it may well be a sign that you're not in the right place to begin with.
>>Maybe if there were scripture that reinforced how we are to behave all the time it would be easier! :-)<<
Col. 4:5-6
Phil. 2:3
Miss you and the rest of the Taggs.
Les
Les! Thank you for your comments. It must be horrible attempting to interpret what I write. It's not being kind and friendly that feels man made. I am in full agreement that the scripture you mention is right on track with what you said.
My point was really in how far to take it. An example...a guy treated me unkindly...I attempted to respond in the most Christlike manner possible. I let it go and responded kindly. This was acknowledged. However, my good friend felt that I should pursue that. That I should follow up with it as an opportunity. He might be right. I don't feel led to do that. But, that's the "manmade" part I am referring to. Who says how far to take it? Jesus didn't say "turn the other cheek then develop an intimate relationship with the guy that nailed you". It may be implied in some areas.
Another example is when we have company. Specifically, people just stopping by picking up kids or whatever. That I should be super engaging during that time. I am not being rude or ugly at all (in my opinion). But, just not too socially engaging. There's the "Hi, how are ya"...comments. But, it seems I don't have much to say after that. I am smiling and courteous. I just don't pursue the people.
So, they both kind of say the same thing. That, while I am being "nice"...I am not doing what the Lord would have me do. That's the manmade part that I am talking about.
I feel I have a lot to learn from this but, right now I just believe that I am attempting Col 4:5-6 and Phil.2:3 the best I can. Some people are expecting more...
Mike
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