Who do men say I am....does it matter?

What has happened to the Church? I use the term church to refer to the religious movement as a whole. I know there are those who still remain faithful to the teachings and Spirit of Christ, however when you look at the message, positions and messages of the "church" at large you have to question how did we get here. My purpose is not to slam anybody. My purpose is to ensure that I am where I should be and that the authentic faith I have found in Christ....the faith that simply says Love God, Love People, be and see Christ in all and demonstrate love....doesn't become ship wrecked or hijacked by any agenda.

My faith has been an evolution. Faith is a journey of growth and transcendence. We should be able to look back and rejoice that we are not where we once were. I am not perfect, nor do I have a monopoly on authentic faith. However the more authentic my faith becomes the more simplistic is becomes as well. Some might label me naive, deceived or too liberal. All I can say is that I have never been so free, so in Love with my God and his/her people.

I live in a small town and regularly run into people who view my faith and life as if my authenticity was a crime of anti-christ proportions. I have seen the looks, heard the whispers and outright hateful things that are said. I have never felt so close to my Lord, who suffered many of the same things for differing with the religious of his day and loving those who were considered outcast. Although I mourn for the condition of the church today, I also find a peace that I am not in step with it. I find comfort in being an outsider...give me identifying with Christ any day rather than any other.