crabcakes
I’ve about decided that tribalism (of any kind) is a closed system. It’s not as open and free as it markets itself. It’s just another container that has rules of engagement, boundaries, high fences, and concrete explanations, which are designed for declaring and defining present reality. We so desperately want to be free, but within the confines of tribalism (especially religious tribalism), we’re anything but free. Ultimately, that’s very disturbing because it was for FREEDOM, that Christ has (past) set us (that’s supposed to be all of us) FREE (Galatians 5:1).
As much as I believe Paul meant what he was saying, he didn’t always act, sound, or look very free. Many times, Paul looks exactly like the old tribe he was trying to get out of. Factious, warring, exclusive, and dogmatically certain pretty much summarizes the old lineage. I’d add faithful, but I’m not sure it was always warranted. I do think Paul was trying to get out of the container he had always been a part of, but you know how it is when you’re one of many crabs in a steep bucket. Something or someone is always pulling you back into the norm. Freedom is a process… not an event.
How we were is always trying to get a foothold on how we are.
You have to get your mind right to align yourself in all the freedom that was purchased for us.
So, are you? Are you free?
Free to think?
(To actually think outside the box of right and wrong—good and evil? Have you ever tasted anything different from what you’ve always been served? Is everyone wrong who thinks differently from you?)
Free to expand?
(To read and listen to thinkers who have more questions than answers?)
Free to doubt?
(Without having to rush back to home base in order to be accepted or approved? To consider mystery, and that God might not be as predictable or explainable as we seem so assured?)
Free to ask questions?
(Without fear of being exiled or defiled from grace, fellowship, or heaven?)
Free to not conform?
(Real transformation doesn’t happen by marching in cadence with everyone else. That’s conformance. Deep transformation happens in the obscure lonely walk through valleys and shadows. Jesus is our prime example of that kind of courage.)
Honestly, are we really free? Or do we have to maintain our certainties in order to maintain our faith?
I have to answer the question also. I’ve lost interest in being just another crab in the bucket.
Love you people!
-MDP-
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Mike Paschall . com 
Oh, man!…….this is so “right on”, brother!!
Thank you, thank you for layin it out!!!!!
Thanks cuz!
I read this past week that John of the Cross referred to God as “nada.” God is no-thing. His mystery and absence in the time he – as you said – was in the obscure lonely walk through valleys and shadows in a dungeon prison. I had to really sit with what he had experienced (or failed to experience) of God…but that concept is probably out of reach of a guy like me who hasn’t really suffered. But I want to move out. I want to understand God bigger than I do today. I want to not be afraid of my tribe. I want to be okay with ending up off the map, if it’s the Spirit leading. This is such a good word. So good.
There is no making it happen. You live your life, your call, your passion. The valley will find you.
Love you David!
Why do we connect freedom/faith to our certainties? Love this!
I’ve become certain that I’ve got a lot of uncertainties. 😉
xo