Love God.... and be the example!

I went on a date today… a date with Jesus. Hate to break it to you churchgoers, but He was ridin’ shotgun with me. The AC was blasting, and we were enjoying some quiet time on the backroads of Tom Green County. Forgive me if any of your prayers’ answers were a bit delayed… I really needed Him today, though.

I’ve been confused. I’ve struggled internally for a long time with this whole homosexual equality marriage thing. I have friends who are gay; friends who I love with my whole heart and I don’t WANT to judge them or cast them aside or feel any type of discontent toward their lifestyle. I’m torn between the Christians who say “love the sinner, hate the sin” and the Christians who demand marriage be kept between 1 man and 1 woman. I try to shield myself from the turmoil, but in the end…. I’m still confused. So I brought it to Jesus.

Jesus… what do I do?

And Jesus said to me…. “Love God, and be the example.” Really… it’s all we can do.

We talked further about my personal relationship with Him. I’ve always struggled with whether or not to attend church. In my heart of hearts, I’ve never belonged to a church where I felt accepted. I’ve never felt comfortable among any flock of parishioners. My relationship with God is just that… MINE. It’s personal. When I asked Jesus about this issue, He said to me “Child… when your day of judgment arrives, it is yours and yours alone. The people who may surround you in a church will not be present for this decision. As long as the temple within you is right with Him, then all is well.” I was immediately comforted in the fact that you know what? NOT going to church doesn’t make me any less of a Christian.

I’ve also struggled with the topic of the separation of church and state… Was our country founded on religious beliefs? What is this fight for separation? How do I feel about this? What IS religion? What denomination should I be?

And Jesus said to me…. “Religion is your relationship with God. It should be peaceful and loving, and personal. If you’re uncomfortable in a church, then love Him on your own. If you are fortunate, you will find other likeminded individuals who share the same relationship as you, and this will become your church. At no time should your group of people force your beliefs on any other. Every relationship is different. What is important is that everyone believes. Above all – Love God, and be the example.”

I’m still confused about so much… and every time I opened my mouth to speak I’d lose my train of thought and Jesus would say to me “Just…. Love God, and be the example.” It’s all we can do. Our past is riddled with tragedy and despair… but the future CAN be bright and hopeful… if we can just love God, and be the example.