I have always believed, like Mr. Emerson, that the seeking (the journey), is the point. It is in our questioning, that we build our faith. However, lately I have a question that really has me stuck. I am throwing this out to the Universe and to you for a bit of guidance. Please let me know how this works in your life. Thank you in advance.
I believe that we are to be a light in the world. I don’t have a problem with that. I wake up every day feeling the Love of God. It is not a big stretch to walk into my day with a general plan of sharing that light, especially with those who obviously live in some form of darkness (i.e. depression, anger, fear…).
“let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Father in heaven.” Mt. 5:16
“But I say to you, love your enemies,
bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you,
and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Mt. 5:44
Okay. Go among the people and Love them all. Got it. No problem.
Well, there’s a bit of a problem. My circumstances are such that I must spend many hours every day with people who are loud, rude, angry, disrespectful, and use the sort of language that would embarrass most Marines. I really want to help them to be happier. I want to be a light. The problem is my light seems to be drowned out in the sheer volume of what is happening around me.
Furthermore, lately I have been trying to focus on what I let into my spirit. At home, I am limiting the negative things (movies, music, etc.) that I consume. As soon as I began this process, the people around me became even wilder.
I have been looking, praying, and waiting for a change in this situation, but in the meantime….
Then I find things like this:
Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits I Cor. 15:33
and
“But now I am writing to you not to associate with
anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty
of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater,
reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.” I Cor 5:11
I want to be like Christ:
“And when the scribes and[a] Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mk 2:16-17
But I am not Christ, and by the end of the day, I am spiritually exhausted and feeling utterly defeated. I don’t feel like I am making a difference. I am, at the least, ignored completely or at the worst, ridiculed for being different.
Should I try to block out the noise, like Paul says, and not even eat with them in order to keep my spirit protected? Or should I continue to leave myself wide open to negativity and defeat in the hopes of somehow making a difference?
I would cherish a comment below. I’m just looking for fresh perspectives.
Have a blessed day!
Amazing Journey 