There seems to be no equal to the dynamic and daring activation of believing that something can become when there is no sign, physically at the moment, of such unique possibility. This is the intrigue of believing into a sphere of darkness; knowing all along that light will become alive in full demonstration.
The fault of religion is its subtle sloppiness of allowing the genuine article of faith to slip into an unconscious practice of nothing more than habitualistic dead performance. When this happens we tend to give the best grades to the best performers. Well...on occasion we even offer applause.
I'm guessing that you are much like me; you walk down both rows. Your inclination, similar to mine, may be more about repetitive ritualism with occasional successful bursts of belief. If not attentive, we will build churches on nothing less than past tradition coupled with current "I like very much" preferences.
When Jesus hit the scene, community had never seen anything like him; religious or non. There was something bright, unassuming, daring, and fiercely humble about him. He lived on mission to not get his way so that others could get theirs. He died so that nations of individuals could live.
I'll never fathom the full measurement of his glory. However, I will do my best to conscientiously be alert to the "what can be" of even the most routine situations...and people. God fits our world; not by fitting in, but by purging the superficial ordinary from it. He purifies; not by squeaky-cleaning our language and behavior, but by transforming average into sheer wowsville.
Yes, many are committed (and deeply involved) in church(es). Yet, the call to connect to the driving force of the Spirit is the power connection for each of us. I know many who know book, chapter, and verse. That's most valuable. The ability to transform fear into faith and blockades into entry ways into people's hearts is the real deal.
My guess is that you are much like me. You will accept intimidation as something that can't be helped. But I urge you to watch. Watch for God to do things with you, for you, and through you that you would never have imagined...and then...don't look back....Ephesians 3:20-21.
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