Relevant?

I want to be relevant.

Yes, I have faith. Some call it religion, though personally I shrink from the word. I don't follow rules and regulations just to follow them.

I believe in something bigger than myself.

I believe in love.

That's all that Jesus taught - love God above all else, and love others more than you love yourself. Can you imagine what the world would look like if we all acted like that?

Even just for one day?

It's not about following a set of rules to earn our holiness or earn our way into heaven. We can't earn it even if we try. It makes me sick that (some) Christians turn their backs on those who don't live up to their guidelines and are displaying "the bad sins" (say it in a deep scary voice for the best impact) - homosexuals, addicts, and so on - and wallow daily in the "little sins" - lying to each other, manipulating each other, and such.

Who are we trying to fool?

I am ashamed of myself when I recognize the signs of this kind of behavior creeping into my own life, and I am appalled at the state of Christianity in general some days for letting this kind of attitude prevail. Don't get me wrong - there are plenty of Christians living it out like they should - pouring themselves out for others, loving and respecting God above everything else. I see myself as this kind of Christian (but believe me, I fail at it sometimes).

That's the church I love, and long to continue to be a part of - and it is out there. The church is the people - a movement of people who are casting aside everything that's held us back in the past, and running forward with the goal of just loving God and loving people.

Relevant. I want to love others so that they can see and understand the love God has for them. That's all.

I can enjoy my life while I'm doing that, too. I don't have to be a nerdy, uptight recluse to be a Christian. In fact, I might go out dancing tonight just to prove it.

And I'll probably wear my new platform shoes. :)