Own Your Own @?#!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 12:05PM 
Isn’t it crazy how we act sometimes? I notice the little things because I am fascinated with our human behavior (I’ve had a lot of practice in observing my own quirks and dysfunctions!). We all have “things” we are trying to work through on some level -- those things that have become a part of our behavioral patterns.
I talk to a lot of people all the time who speak of “change” and a desire for a different life. Where the challenge comes in is in our willingness to endure the process of change. If we have a pattern of finding ourselves in the same difficult or aggravating situations, it is likely that our own behavioral got us there. However, fear of acknowledging those “things” can be the greatest barrier to change.
For example: If I admit that I have an imperfection, then my self-image is tarnished. Therefore, I must not acknowledge my “things” and I must point out the deficient “things” in others to justify my position.
The strategy above may provide a short-term gain in the way we feel personally, but it has long-term damage in our lives and the lives of others. We “remain” and do not “change.”
Remember the quote… “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is insanity.”
One of the most interesting and truthful books I have read in my theological studies presents a compelling human argument. The title of this book is On Bullshit, by Harry G. Frankfurt. In his bold little book, Frankfurt outlines four characteristics of bullshit (which he finds akin to the word “humbug”). They are: Deceptive misrepresentation; Short of lying; Especially by pretentious word or deed; and Misrepresentation of somebody’s own thoughts, feelings, or attitudes. Furthermore, Frankfurt opens his argument by saying, “One of the most salient features of our culture is that there is so much bullshit. Everyone knows this. Each of us contributes [his or her] share. But we tend to take the situation for granted.” (p.1)
In the Christian context, I believe this argument may also contribute to the basis for why Christianity has an image problem (see UnChristian by David Kinnaman for the Barna Group research findings). As humans who are seeking transformation we often find our way into the church, desiring to follow Christ. To be a “Christian” is to be a Christ-follower and to know Jesus as the Lord of our lives. This means every part of our lives, including (and especially!) the crap.
In short… To be a Christian is to be a reflection of Christ in the world today. Ouch…
More often than not -- inside and outside the church -- we push off onto others our own shortcomings, mistakes, and errors. People use one another to perfect their own image. The truth is we are all sick and broken… We have a desire for acceptance and affirmation, and we want to matter and make a difference. These desires are all a part of our longing to find happiness and wholeness with God. Yet on this quest, in the midst of the chaos of the world, we are sometimes more interested in looking out for our own image rather than the image of Christ.
Rather than remaining in denial, and rather than avoiding the change and transformation God desires to make, we have to acknowledge our own deficiencies and shortcomings and offer them to God.
The Apostle Paul reminds us of God’s promise. He writes, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT)
God’s grace is sufficient, and in our weakness God’s power is made perfect.
If we are tired, frustrated, and want a different life, perhaps it is time we own our own crap.
Reader Comments (1)
I was just wondering if the photo is petrified crap??? :)
Thanks Bill