Simplicity

Over the past month, I have stumbled upon a simple truth time and time again. A truth so life-changing, and so revolutionary that so many have refused to believe it from age to age. Belief in it is dangerous, and claiming it is scandalous. I shudder to think what would happen if a substantial group of people decided to claim it and live it, but I'm becoming more and more convinced that it's true. Ready, here it goes:

There is nothing that we can do to earn God's love. It is unattainable, and unreachable. No level of piety can be achieved to trigger it. But yet he gives it, freely. No amount of good can increase the amount of love that he offers. And no amount of stumbling can decrease it. He simply loves us---more than we could ever be loved.

I told you it was scandalous, just think about what it means!

It means that church attendance has no bearing on how much God loves us...it is not applicable.

Piety...not in the equation

Personal sacrifice has no effect at all on the issue...God simply loves.

It's a tough pill to swallow isn't it?

Now, clearly this conversation isn't intended to suggest that church is stupid, or that we should shed our inhibitions and live la vida loca. But I think that our view of what Christianity is and how to live the life is a bit skewed.

We have the idea that church teaches us how to know God. When in actuality, knowing God teaches us how to find true community!

We think that doing the right thing will make God happy with us, but God is already happy with us! God leads us down the path of righteousness, but the path of self-righteousness does not lead us to God.

God is not out to change our actions. He wants to change our hearts.

I'll admit, I'm exasperated. I'm exhausted at trying to live 'for God.' So I think I'm going to give up. Instead of gritting my teeth and trying to power my way through the pressures and temptations of the day, I may just allow God to give me grace to handle those situations. It is his to give. I'm unsatisfied with the cycle : Get up, fall down, go to church, ask for forgiveness, and repeat. I want to be a part of the story. I want to be swept up in the romance. I want to know God.

Blogs are Dumb!

They really are, but I refuse to let that stop me. Welcome to the internet event of the year: the impromptu grand opening of my blog. I know. The name is dumb. The idea is dumb. The blog is dumb. If you're okay with that, read on.

First Things First: The Obligatory "About Me" Segment

My name is Mitchell. Since 2005, I have been married to a beautiful lady named Heather (if you're reading this [you probably aren't], I love you). In January of 2008 we were blessed with the birth of our son, Miles (if you're reading this [you definitely aren't], I love you too). We're a family...and nothing on earth is better than having the opportunity to share my life with them.

I am a worship-leader at a church in Warner Robins, GA. Meaning, I play "music" with a guitar; and "sing" a combination of words and notes, on a stage, in the front of the church. But really, my craft is simply trying to create a situation where people can have an experience with God...initiating a response to him in all of his goodness. I'm also a company-computer-guy. There's nothing really inspiring to say about that.

What are my hobbies, you ask? Dabbling, mostly. Two weekends ago, I put together a model X-Wing. A couple of months before that, I built a computer. Last week, I played "Forza Motorsport 2" on my XBOX 360. This week: I'm watching the Olympics ("USA! USA!"), and looking at motorcycles on the internet. Next week, who know what I will be into. I lead a very frantic and expensive life.

I'm a big fan of Jesus, family, politics, history, technology, sports, video games, and geeky pursuits.

I'm not a big fan of government programs, bad grammar, and sleep.

Last night, I watched National Geographic Insider (Inside a Cult), and Mythbusters.

This morning, I listened to talk radio, Coldplay, and an Erwin McManus message.

Last week, I read The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.

You get the idea. I want to experience everything. I want to know everything. I want to breathe in, breathe out, and truly live this life that I love.

Second Things Second: A Purpose Paragraph

This blog is both topical and pointless. I intend to write about nothing in particular, only all of the things that I think are important. But overall I hope to launch a conversation. I hope to better understand the world around me and the people that inhabit it. I have plenty to say, and plenty that I need to hear. So feel free to insert your opinion, and join in the exchange.

Third things Last: A Much Needed Conclusion

Thanks for stopping by! For more information about me, check me out on Facebook (how do I create a public link for my Facebook page?). For more about my music, see Myspace. But for a conversation about life, culture, politics, faith, family, etc. you are in the right place. Set this as your new homepage!!!