Why am I like this?

Sometimes I wonder why I'm so weak. You'd think, after all this time, that I would have mastered some of the sins in my life. Instead, I find myself coming back constantly to what Paul says in Romans 7: "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing."

While writing this, I'm listening to John Mayer's "In Repair" on loop. And I think the line that appeals is when he says, "I'm in repair. I'm not together but I'm getting there."

I think that I hate being in process. I like end points, and having things settled. I really do hate that I don't have certain things in my life settled, and I never will. But there is value in being in repair, and there is refinement in wanting to be better. I suppose that's why we need Jesus. If we were capable of being complete and settle things ourselves, we wouldn't need grace.

I'm not together, but I'm getting there.

Questions answered

Hey guys! Today we're gonna answer some questions from the box...so here we go...

I know it's important to surround ourselves with believers, but is it wrong to date a non-Christian if they show promise of devoting their life to Christ as a result of your relationship?

This is a tough question. Scripture tells us that we need to be equally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14 "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?") But the main point behind dating a Christian is this: to grow closer to God. So even if the person becomes a Christian while you're dating, how well can they encourage you towards God? It's not just a matter of them meeting the criteria of being a believer. If they're a baby Christian (like if they became a believer while you're dating them) they may need some time to figure out their own faith before they can encourage you in yours.

I like someone at this church, but now he won't even talk to me as a friend. But we're both believers, so what's going on?

I dunno. I hate to say it, but just because you're both believers, some things just aren't meant to be. I've been at both sides of this situation, and sometimes things just don't fit. You said he won't talk to you now; did something happen? I'd say figure out why there's distance between the two of you before figuring out why you're not dating. That may help you figure out whether you're the right people for each other.

That's it for now...we'll see you again soon. Here's a little tidbit to keep you entertained.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sjj1D0aGQyE

Back from the Dead

Just like Lazarus, the 209 Blog is back from the dead! Rise and shine little blog. You can come here to find answers to some of your questions, the occasional musing from 209 staff or maybe just a little tidbit to brighten up your day. Check back from time to time and see what's here.