The great body builder Ronnie Coleman once said, "Everybody wants to be a bodybuilder, but nobody wants to lift no heavy-ass weights". Well, in a similar vein I've found that everybody wants to be a Christian, but nobody wants to talk about no judgmental Jesus. It may be a bit of an overstatement, but certainly true to a degree. Especially as it applies to "celebrity Christians" (almost an oxymoron in my book) such as athletes and Hollywood types. They are quick to thank God (sometimes even Jesus) for their success and acknowledge how "blessed" they are (am I the only one who finds "Blessed" t-shirts highly annoying?). But, don't hold your breath waiting for them to condemn the sinful lifestyles and attitudes rampant in their respective industries. That's not surprising emanating from those living the lifestyles of the rich and famous, as it is virtually impossible to attain those wordly trifles without compromising your faith.
But, my concern and experience has demonstrated that we, the "common folk" display many of the same tendencies (myself included). Having gone to Protestant churches for over 20 years has exposed me to pathetically few deep theological discussions; especially as it relates to the wrath of God. I take some responsibility here for not at least broaching the subject when there was opportunity, or not putting myself in more situations where I may have heard such discussion. Typically, the small talk at church was no different than anywhere else. Sure, you wouldn't here profanity or God's name taken in vain (no small thing), but the content was pretty much the same rhetoric concerning weather, politics, sports, health; you name it. Additionally, often enough a complaining tone was heard, as opposed to that of an Overcomer. Just a Clearplay version of wordlings around the water cooler.
I imagine that's a big reason why I've never been a fan of "small talk". I'm that way by nature, but it has only become more ingrained the longer I walk with the Lord. Sure, there is a time and place for small talk, but it seems for many, all the time and anyplace is appropriate. Especially if the same folks are playing the same "broken record" every time you cross paths. I'm not down on them or judging them, but don't mistake my disinterest as rudeness. I will smile and greet you, but respect my choice to not stand around talking just to talk. On the other hand, I'm always willing to have deeper discussions about meatier issues, but this can't be done in 10 second sound bites. And society by and large lives on 10 second sound bites (even the church) as we've been programmed by Twitter and others to "spit it out" and move on. Again, I recognize my role in this and realize I have to up my game. Too often, even in "Christian" circles I'm afraid to come across as "holier than thou", so I don't even attempt it. Or, I assume that the parties won't be interested. Maybe like me, they're waiting for someone else to get the ball rolling.
The old adage is to keep the peace you never discuss sex, politics, or religion. Ironically, we Christians need to discuss these things; peace or no peace. With the definition of a woman confounding so many, Biden and his freak show in the White House, and our own Downgrade Controversy in the contemporary church; how is there time to talk about anything else?! I want to know where others in church around me stand on these issues; I don't much care about their stance on sports or vacation spots. I want to know where they stand on adultery, fornication, homosexuality, alcohol, gambling, repentance, holiness. Not because I'm waiting to judge them (God has already done that; He knows), but because how I relate to them depends on whether they are sheep or goats. Of course, sermons that feed the sheep and cause the goats to squirm are helpful. We attend a good church with expository preaching that appears to be theologically sound (I say appears, as we have only been there a couple years and that isn't always enough time to be sure). For sure, an increased emphasis on repentance and the evidence of sanctification would "thin out the herd" a bit on Sundays. So be it.
I'll never be a small talk guy, for sure. But I'm definitely more comfortable pulling it off with those who take the Word of God seriously and live their lives accordingly. I realize I need to put a couple more "plates" on the weight bar of my witness and push through to some of these topics. I'll never be a Ronnie Coleman when it comes to weights and I'll never be a John MacArthur when it comes to Bible teaching, but I can challenge myself to be the best Christian man I can. Just as more iron in the weight room spurs on muscle growth; iron sharpening iron in the discussion room, spurs on spiritual growth.
