God as character
I am not sure what this will become. What I do know is that I can swing from being
a complete butt-head to being a pious sounding oaf - and some may say both sides
of the swing look and sound the same. My point is simply that I count on God as
the shape of what I can be - my character. When I hear that I can be a character,
I'm not immediately offended. My question is: What does that mean? Does it mean
that I act and speak in a way that may be contrary to the prevailing winds? If so,
I'm amused and grateful. God makes characters who take seriously what God promises.
That character is one that can be called strange and even out of place. Between
being a butt-head and an oaf, God still is there embracing me and shaping me into
someone who will put forth the character of God's Reigning presence. God as character
pulls at us so that within the bounds of our normalcy - as crazy as that may be
- the attributes of our God will be seen by others. This could be why I have always
appreciated the image of the saints of God being the clowns of God. Just a bunch
of oafs and butt-heads who have been caught up into the inspiring Spirit of life
that is always bringing a bit of the Reign of God to life even when it is not appreciated
and even when it looks like utter foolishness.
O God of love and new life, you alone are Holy and you raise up a Holy people who
are able to bring to life your image even as we continue to be seen as odd - oafish
- butt-heads. We give you thanks for using us to display the character of your Reign.
Amen.
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