As I start to write this, I am reminded of the scripture from First Corinthian, chapter 2:
My brothers and sisters, I did not pose as an expert with all the answers. I did not pretend to explain the mystery of God with eloquent speech and human wisdom. I claimed to know nothing with certainty other than the reality that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Liberating King, who was crucified on our behalf.
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (Voice)
[If you are not familiar with The Voice translation, here is information about it from BibleGateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/The-Voice-Bible/ Since my intended audience for this blog is a small group of trusted friends whom I know to be mature Christians, I feel comfortable using a translation that some may say takes more liberty than one would want if sharing with non-believers or new believers.]
When I write, I want to use the gift of language; however, I do not want to write in overly fancy words. I want to be intentional without being excessively thoughtful.
Part of the reason for this post on motivation is that a couple of weeks ago, as I sat and thought about what I was planning to write and where all of this was going to go in the future, I was grabbed by a sense of "putting the cart before the horse". Feeling that God was directing me, I turned to a blank page in my journal and started examining my motives. Below are my thoughts. [Bracketed thoughts are my own commentary, written as I transcribe from my journal.]
Am I just a man who wants to see the world burn? [reference to Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight] Am I just someone who wants to upset the status quo? Does the contemporary Evangelical Protestant Church need a Martin Luther? [In case you haven't met me, I struggle with pride.]
[Prompted by my current "read for study" book unChristian by David Kinnaman] If we move past a focus on lifestyle, how is the Holy Spirit evidenced in one's life? The presence of the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control.
Can the Fruit of the Spirit, as evidence of one's growing relationship with God, be present in the life of someone who has not addressed a traditionally non-Christian lifestyle? [Specifically I am wondering about those who have accepted a non-heterosexual orientation or transgender identity.]