Charismatics vs. sympathizers....together in harmony

As I was introduced to this "ordinary radical" theory, I began to feel a fire. I wanted to be part of the movement...I wanted to be out there doing more. And I wrote about how we shouldn't be fooled into thinking that a check to a charity is enough. I had a friend kinda get upset about that because she believed that her check was okay. At first I thought, 'See! that's what I'm talking about!" I believed that she was somewhat...twisted...in her thinking. I thought,"What's her problem!? Everyone should want to hop on this crazy train!" I looked at her somewhat differently for being reluctant to what I was so enthusiastic about.

But, recently, I read a part in The Irresistable Revolution about charismatics and sympathizers. Here's what it says....

"One of the things that has fascinated me about the days of the early church is how those who abandoned homes and possessions to follow Jesus lived in such union with those who opened their homes to them and the poor. Gerd Theissen called the two groups the "wandering charismatics" and the "local sympathizers". The wanderers were traveling apostles and relied on the support of the sympathizers. Both shaped the early church. They did not look down on each other. The sympathizers did not write off the wanderers as radicals or freaks, and the wanderers did not judge the sympathizers as sell-outs. They loved and supported each other."

Hhmmm...not exactly what I'd been doing, huh? I guess I never really stopped to think that not everyone has to sell all they have. Jesus had his disciples who left their old lives behind to follow him....but, he also had people like Martha who served Him from her home. Not everyone does the same thing...and that's okay. That's how God designed things. Like a puzzle...all the pieces different yet all working together to form His picture!

So, I would first like to appologize to my friend...I believe you know who you are by reading this. I'm sorry for being judgemental.

Second, I would like to encourage you. Whether you're a wanderer or a sypathizer...LOVE! Love each other and work together in harmony. And love your neighbors. Love your co-workers, parents, enemies...even that person in the lunchroom that no one talks to. Love 'em and show them God through that love.

Peace!
~Lola~