New Site!

Thanks to all those that have read, followed, commented and passed on this blog to others.

I have great news!  I have moved to my own domain, and (I feel) a better functioning website.
Please, check it out..

www.andydisher.com (<– it’s really easy to remember.)

Hope to see you there!

unchristian 1.4

I was in a conversation the other day with a good friend.. and we were talking about transformation.  The “Why’s”, “How’s”, and “When’s” of it all.

I find it interesting that just a few short days later, I’m reading this chapter … and find myself nodding my head along to it. (Also.. to the music playing in the background.)

This actually goes beyond just saying words and going to church and warming a seat.   Transformation is about depth.  It’s about a TRUE change.

How does that look?

If you’ve been following my blog (.. which, by the way – is soon going to change location!!  That announcement, soon.) then you know that I’ve been stuck on the book “unchristian.”  It’s an incredibly challenging, convicting and hopeful book.  Challenging and convicting because – well.. the truth hurts.  Hopeful, because, it’s not too late.  It’s not too late to show the world, our friends, neighbours and community .. that we are, in fact, true Christians.  Not just what they may see or hear in the media.

Transformation (.. got off on a tangent there.. sorry.)

… The author of “unchristian” states these seven elements of what a Christ follower should be passionate about…

* worshipping God intimately and passionately
* engaging in spiritual friendships with other believers
* pursuing faith in the context of family
* embracing intentional forms of spiritual growth
* serving others
* investing time and resources in spiritual pursuits
* having faith-base conversations with outsiders.  (p.80)

Here’s the bottom line: “The ultimate goal of transformation is to become like Christ.” (p. 81)

In our thinking.

In our loving.

In our listening.

Often times, .. when it comes to the word and idea “transformation” – I have gotten too caught up in the thought “.. well, that person isn’t meeting my standards of transformation.”

I have judged.  And, admittedly, I still do.  I’m not proud of that.  Not one bit.  I will say this though – since reading this book, having conversations others and reflecting over both – I have been able to catch myself.  When I find myself judging someone, looking at them with a raised eyebrow or assuming something.. I stop.  And I love.

Now.. all that being said – I know that transformation in every individual looks completely different.  The timing, the manner – the situations… they are all unique to each person.

And the question is raised (in my mind, anyways) – can I help someone in their process??

Should I help?

I believe this:  Transformation is becoming like Christ.  Will we ever be fully like Him?  … not any time soon. But I can strive.  I can try.  I can make choices that will help me towards that goal.

I believe that, while we are being transformed – we can also help transform others.  again.. not by judging, condemning – but by loving.

But.. how does that look?

It looks like Jesus.  How did Jesus love?  How did Jesus relate to his friends, family, community?  How did Jesus confront?

Love.

unchristian 1.3

Before I begin, I must admit.. I’m not going to try and “read” the book to you over this blog.  I am only merely trying to share my opinion and what I’m learning from this book..  and I am strongly encouraging you to purchase the book (or maybe even borrow it from me) and base your own opinion.

There is a perception out there… that says “Christians are insincere and concerned with only converting others.”

It’s actually interesting that

unchristian 1.2

“Do as I say, not as I do…?”

Hypocrites. (Even saying the word feels … slimy.)  At one point in our lives, we have all been one.  Whether you’re a Christian or not.. whether you attend church or not…. regardless of who/what you are.. we have all been there.. We have all said one thing and done another.  We have all been fakes.

And while sometimes we may have the best intentions (.. we want to look like we have it all together…) the truth is this: we are hurting ourselves and others.  Everyone knows that everyone fails. So, why pretend that you

unchristian: 1.1

I have been convicted recently. It sucks.  It sucks to have that realization that you’ve been wrong – and that you have wronged.  It sucks to have to admit.. “Man..I screwed up.” However – I’m thankful that I have a second chance.

 

I’ve recently been reading the book “unChristian” by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons.  Put out by The Barna Group – it shows – in essence – where we, the church, have gone wrong.  Where we have made rash judgements, quick assumptions and destructive choices against what they call, outsiders. (For the record, the term “outsiders” is the term they choose to use to describe those that are not “in the faith.”  That being said, they also recognize that many “outsiders” used to “be in church” and attend, but because of words, actions and judgements – have left.)