We
humans seem to have a tremendous need for acceptance. Teens seem to have it the
worst. Middle school and high school are times when kids are beginning to find
their own voice and their own way in the world. They are developing their
individuality and seeking to be independent. At the same time, however, they often
desperately seek inclusion in peer groups by acting, dressing and speaking like
their fellow classmates to appear “normal” or acceptable.
Organizations
can fall prey to the same need for acceptance. The New Thought movement has
been plagued with an adolescent need for approval ever since I’ve been involved
with it. Why is it that people who have a unique, scientific and spiritual path
spend so much time trying to be accepted by mainstream Christianity? Our
churches and centers seem to go out of their way to get other churches to like
us or be our buddies. Why?
It’s
not like we’re there to get people upset, but we are never going to effectively
shout out our teachings to the world while trying to water it down to be palatable
for people who have no interest in our way of life. Another minister recently
made the comment that we can “try so hard to be everything to everyone that we
become nothing to nobody.”
Our
churches and centers should stand out
as different. We are, and we should be proud of it. We don’t believe in being
the victim of others and fully take responsibility for our lives and actions. Even
considering that kind of life virtually terrifies the snot out of most people.
None of us are the same. We are all individualized manifestations of the
Divine, so why on earth would we want to be like everyone else? It is when we
stop being who we are that we become depressed, stressed out, angry and
frustrated. If we, as a people or as organizations, are not being who we truly
are at our core level, then we are robbing humanity of the unique expression of
God that we are.
There’s
only one “you.” Please share it with us, no holds barred, dancing like no one
is watching and full-tilt boogey! See? Doesn’t that feel better now?
In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,
Terry
No comments:
Post a Comment