What If? Part Two

Rubbing Elbows/Shoulders is an idiom that speaks of being in the same place as other people. An example is meeting with others at a party, at a coffeehouse, at a social club. The concept of just having some interaction in a nonchalant manner with others.

Today’s Culture
In today’s culture the only way most people will ever rub shoulders with others is if the others are of the same political persuasion (not just based upon Party but based upon the extremes of the Party), voted for the same political candidate, hold to the same ideological beliefs, exact same religion, same socioeconomic level, many times the same race or national origin.

The Extremism
What are the odds of a drag queen and a Christian rubbing shoulders? What are the odds of person struggling with addiction and a Christian rubbing shoulders? What are the chances of a Christian who voted for Trump rubbing shoulders with a Christian who voted for Biden? In fact what are the chances of two Christians who voted for Trump will rub shoulders if one of the Christians speaks out against some of the behavior of Trump. There are pastors that make it clear that if you do not vote and think like them you are not welcomed at their church.

So Why?
Most Christians that go to church are wearing masks, so imagine a lost person entering into the church. They have learned that the safest route is to not have an opinion on anything. So why do Christians think that someone struggling with dysfunctional issues in their life, rather Christian or not, is going to come to church and share their struggles with anyone, asking for some advice or help. Why would they even go to church. Nobody is going to ‘rub shoulders’ with them.

Break the Cycle
Someone, someones, have to make the decision to break this dysfunctional cycle. Someone, someones, have to make the decision to rub shoulders with whomsoevers. To make the choice to find opportunities to make connections with people, not just in the church, but more importantly outside the church, since that is where most people are going to be.

Intentional
I am talking about intentional shoulder rubbing. Going to places where you will find people of various walks of life and interacting with me. You must be on the look out to find people, not be waiting for the to come to you.

In my next article I will share some ideas.