the becomings of an anthropologist...

It's been interesting starting my new job @ Anthropologie. Not only am I surrounded by uniquely beautiful things, but a mosaic of humanity. People from all walks, cultures, styles, orientations, religions. Needless to say, conversations have been more than interesting...I find amusement in the irony that "Anthropology" in translation means the study of human beings, everywhere and throughout time. And as I transition into finding my place in my new working family, the endeavor to consistently live out my faith in a secular environment is constantly before me. Up to my elbows In the midst of stacks of inventory, I was processing today how religion has offended countless of the lost, broken, searching...not for it's simple truths, but for the "believers" who get caught up in seeking to be right, and forget to seek first the kingdom...
And it dawned on me...the only people that Jesus offended in his lifestyle ministry were religious people.
Rule bound.
Book bent.
Leaders.
History makers.
Desperately wanting to be right...
to the point of taking down whatever stood in their way.

Now hot water is something God has never been afraid of encountering.
WITH PURPOSE.
Jesus healed on the Sabbath.
He associated with the rich and famous,
and the down and out.
He influenced world leaders,
and changed the lives of prostitutes.
He showed compassion
without compromising truth.
He showed grace
without compromising justice.
He didn't seek to prove his point of view...
but he was always ready to share it.
His life drew people,
not by force
but with a force that was impacting,
Influencing,
Life altering.
Eternity changing.

Because his purpose was not to win an argument,
but to see the thieves at the end of the day
receiving paradise, and the love of an amazing God.