Why I'm A Loyal Rebel

All of my life, I have felt about a half step out of sync with the rest of the world.  I always seem to see things from a different angle than other folks.  This usually takes the form of asking different questions than the people around me.  Once in a while, my questions are perceived as insightful, but often, folks just think I've missed the point of whatever they're talking about.  Then there are times when my questions become a little too pointed, and I am perceived as a rebel.  

I suppose there is an element of truth to my being a rebel.  I truly believe in asking tough questions and telling the truth.  One of my little rules of life is "A painful truth is always better than a pleasant lie," but I don't really mean to upset the status quo.  I'm not a crusader for tearing down everything with which I disagree.  When I find myself asking questions that make folks uncomfortable, it is, at least from my perspective, about making things better.  I question things I care about.  I don't ask many questions about politics or flower gardens because I really don't care that much; they both come and go with the seasons.  What I do care a great deal about is the Kingdom of God and the people that populate it.  

Because I care about the Kingdom of God, I cannot help but care about the earthly expression of that Kingdom, which is the church.  I also care about my little corner of the Body of Christ on Earth (the church), which my tribe calls the Church of the Nazarene.  I love these folks, but like any good family, they sometimes drive me crazy.  It is in those moments of "family friction" that I usually ask the question that gets me in trouble and earns me the label of a rebel.  It is probably true that I have a bit of rebel in me, but I would like to think I am a Loyal Rebel.  I love my local church, my denomination, and the larger body of Christ, and I am passionately loyal to them all.  It's just that I have these questions... 

This blog has no great purpose other than a place to record my thoughts and invite others to interact if they choose.  At least once a week I will do a piece for my church Marysville Nazarene, but I will also reflect on my spiritual journey and muse about my favorite topic theology.  I should probably note that I am not a scholar; I am a pastor, and my interest is in applied theology.  I am very interested in understanding how to live in the world as an authentic follower of Jesus.