2012 Christianity

I’ve been having a little bit of an uncomfortable feeling lately amidst my social media.  I would love some feedback also.

Throughout my Facebook and twitter feed-which yes, ultimately I have chosen so it’s my fault-I see this trend.  It’s probably not a surprise to you that I have a lot of friends in ministry and that I enjoying reading, watching, and listening to sermons, and new songs, and inspiring blogs etc. 

But it seems I’m just overloaded with the “trendiness” of Christianity.  As if we’re all trying to reach this invisible pinnacle of Christian stardom and be the new Francis Chan. 

I think it’s always been there, but maybe social media has just brought it to light?  I see people posting about their youth groups… and their contests…. and “be sure to bring your friends!”… and cool, new quotes about being love… and their conferences that have cool videos… and Catalyst and worship music… obsession with Apple products and… well you get the idea.

And how can we forget the typical “Christian fashion” of skinny jeans, Toms, retro glasses, (which I have to admit, I totally love ALL of those by the way) and maybe even a new, small obsession with tattoos and growing manly beards… we ARE liberated from the Old Testament laws!!!

And of course, you haven’t really “made it” unless: A) you are man-who has written a book and pastors a church plant that has grown to AT LEAST 1 MILLION PEOPLE IN JUST 2 YEARS! or B) you are a female-who has a blog, must have 4 biological children, 1 adopted and your husband is a pastor of one of the aforementioned churches.

To not totallyyyyy head down the cynical tube- I realize that some of it’s real.  And legit.  And people are changing the world.  And people are being disciples.  And people are servants and full of humility. 

But this desire for outward “sameness” is only creating a whole new box to fit in. 

You know why I noticed it?  Because I’ve fallen for it too.  And I live in Timbuktu.  It’s not that I have a problem with having nice things, being fashionable, and attending a life-changing conference.  Or having a blog (duh) and desiring to write a book.  But-I fear it can turn into a new idol for some of us.  It could really end up being the most important thing(s) and as Christians we ultimately know that’s not what we want. 

A lot of that has been stripped from me.  No skinny jeans for this girl in 110 degree weather.  No trendy glasses for me because they would roll off when the sweat starts pouring.  Can’t have cool hair because I wear a helmet everyday.  Don’t attend a big, trendy church because... well... there aren't any here.  And… well… actually the Apple products have been flawless for me so I really just need to be thankful for those.  But you get the idea.

I’m not saying this AT ALL to make myself look better.  But rather, ask yourself what I had to face about 6 months ago.  When it’s all gone and taken away, who are you?  And most importantly… who are you really serving?

Also, I’ve decided to take a little break from these social media outlets until I can really figure out how to handle it all.  oh.  And I’m tired of election crap.