Intimacy with Others

I'm sure to have written on this in the past, but it is just one of those things I'm bound to revisit. 

Intimacy with people.

Real relationships. 

It is not appropriate for every relationship to be profound. That would be too stressful. Who can maintain a plethora of close relationships if we are to be genuinely caring and attentive friends?

But with some people, like family, doesn't it seem appropriate to actually know each other so family gatherings are fulfilling and not shallow? The rub is when you really don't have things in common or know you fully disagree on things. Then knowing less is advantageous....

But if we never take the risk, then we'll never know, because some people are good at keeping their views on things rather hidden. We talk about work, hobbies, school....that stuff is all well and good, but it is so much more fun when there is talk about Christ, God, the culture in relation to those things. 

I think it was Satan who encouraged people not to discuss religion and politics. The bedrock of society and life rest on these issues, so ignoring them as a point of discussion just means we don't really know people. 

Is there a way to casually brooch these topics without them becoming a point of contention? Probably not, which is why people avoid it. We think, rightly so for some, that we won't be able to gather civilly if this stuff is discussed. 

And this is why being a member of a church is critical for born again Christians. We must gather with like minded people, who become a family to us in many ways, to exhort one another in righteous living and use our gifts to bless each other. Often family is who God puts us with so we can be a light for Him. How many believers are the only one in their family after all? We shouldn't despair, but thank God that He's sent a messenger to the people we love so much, but who really don't know us because they cannot understand the things of God. 

Thank the Lord for giving us the church. A place where we all grow, fail, love, hurt, forgive, serve and press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, together. 

Jesus is coming back for His church, His bride. Let us work together while listening for the call.