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Why
to not get involved.
By
Matt Shaner
You need to get involved.
I’ve been hit over the head with that phrase
too many damn times.
A few weeks past I was looking for a conversation
about new ministry. I talked to my pastor and he referred me to the guy under
him. I
emailed that guy and he told me two things, first, he
had no time to meet with me to discuss any new creative
things, and second, I should just get involved with what
is going on now. That
just doesn’t sound right.
The essence of the Revolution is what Jesus
creates in his short time on this planet.
He generates, like his father, consistent
newness. His
words make life. His
touch heals. His presence invigorates and infuriates.
His death changed everything.
One thing that my experience missed completely is
the connection to creation.
How does something new happen when the only
answer is to join in with the flow.
Jesus instructed his followers in his ways and
set them off to create. They created and in their acts, a church grew and the story
of the universe started to change.
That change is being glimpsed in the new
expressions of faith and worship that emerge with the
coming days. This
weekend, my girlfriend and I walked a trail next to a
river for a few miles and I felt closer to God then
I’ve felt in church in a long time.
The sunlight and water was a reminder of the
greater story. The
flow never stops and always creates. The bank expands and decreases.
Fish and animals rely on the river.
I stood amazed that the finger of God could paint
something so fantastic and that it could be observed
outside of a few hours, one day a week, with the same
people, doing the same things.
If the best thing we can hope for is that
people get involved in what’s happening now then I’m
scared for the future.
How can a path be laid if no one will walk off
the trail? How
can change happen unless someone is willing to start
something new and stop just joining in.
Maybe I’m just frustrated, I don’t know.
For anyone out there feeling the same as me,
feel free to not get involved.
Start something on your own.
Make a change that really finally makes a change.
New songs are waiting to be played.
New dreams are waiting to be realized.
If only someone will dare to walk first and, most
of the time. Alone.
___________
Matt
Shaner is a student finishing college and searching for
a path in the world.
He's been burned by the faith of his past and is
looking for something new.
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