You haven't seen it, have you? I've searched everywhere and I've asked several people. Hundreds of people and I can't seem to find my identity. I once knew who I was, and I was firm on the fact that I am a teenaged white male but I certainly can't be the gender that women call "dogs", can I? I can't be the same race that enslaved black people until a little more than 100 years ago.
People today struggle with their identity. I know a transgender that no matter the anatomy, he hated pronouns such as he or she. But why? It's something we're all born with. I was recently watching a documentary about a young black kid who tried to "brush the color out of his gums" because he wanted pink gums. He said "I have black and brown gums so they're ugly". But why? That's what he was blessed with. Brown gums and pink gums serve the same purpose, and with the same level of efficiency.
Here's the reason there is such an identity crisis in our society. Society has determined what they find right and wrong, ultimately making people feel uncomfortable with their identity. Culture has made falsehood about several things. Such things as a feminine acting males must be gay. This is untrue prejudice. Another thing is about a guy who takes care of himself well, is well-groomed, and well-dressed (also called a metrosexual), who is also considered gay. American culture has told us that men must be rough and tough with dirt and oil matted on their hands and torn clothing. Otherwise, they're gay. If you're black, you face mocking because of race. Men face dispute because we're all called dogs. If you're a woman, you face sexism by being called inferior. If you're feminine, you're called gay. If you're fat, you're a slob. Culture makes fun of anyone for anything and now we face the ultimate consequences.
How often have you heard "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."? The biggest problem with that is its a lie. Words do hurt. They cut deep. Now that we have to face a crisis that we caused in the first place, we resort to the thing that caused it. Mocking. Mocking comes in several forms. Making fun of someone for being different than the crowd. Acting better than someone. Religiously shaming them because they aren't in the same religious bracket. Those are all forms of mocking.
As Christians, we fail. We fail more than we will ever succeed. I have to admit that. I'll use a better word: I MUST confess that. We have caused a great shame upon ourselves because church is a safe place, or supposed to be. I'm not claiming I have everything right, but this is one thing I know: the church was designed to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. If we aren't serving the purpose, we need to take every step possible to change that. We have been called to a mission.
There is a world that is hurting and they're searching. Searching for us. The church. Jesus. It's our job. Let's show them. Look for every opportunity to spread the gospel. This is not only important, it mandatory!
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