Have Less Opinions
Why put myself out there when I tend to only hear the critics…
That has been my thought process over the last several months.
High stress, responsibilities, circumstantial depression, hurt feelings, church frustrations, relationship tensions, and unmet expectations all play a role in my difficult experiences lately.
The worst of the bunch - church frustrations. No one can really relate to the roller coaster ride of emotions that people in church ministry have...unless you're in church ministry. The best way to describe it is the difference between weddings and funerals...with all kinds of personalities and beliefs...every damn week! We get to be a part of the celebrations, the breakthroughs, the spiritual highs all while being a part of the death, the heartbreaks, and the spiritual lows. The worst part is it seems like more people voice the negatives than they do the positives. I just wish people did a couple things before they have such harsh opinions about the individuals in church leadership.
First off, I despise the church institution that manipulates people for finances, power, or control. I love the church institution that believes the best about humanity, empowers people and is actively a part of the community - helping people see Jesus for who he is and leading by example.
So two things...
If you believe in Jesus, you shouldn't be so quick to write someone off if they present an idea or thought that may be new for you. I'm learning about something called deficit model - it's when people default to fear because they don't understand something. This is exactly what happens around discussions about God. People often oppose things because it sounds different than what they've previously been taught, or because they have never heard of it. How can you oppose something you have never studied, contemplated, or truly examined? I'm baffled by the lack of conversation and how quick people jump to conclusions.
If you believe in Jesus and find yourself talking about someone you don't know just shut your mouth. I was criticized by someone who I've never talked with as they claimed I said something I never did. Oh the irony. If the Jesus you worship doesn't cause you to evaluate the way you talk about people, it's not Jesus you've found.
Have less opinions on subjects you haven't studied. Have less opinions about people you don't know. Have less opinions about cultures you haven't experienced.