The world as you see it

"It is the function of art to renew our perception. What we are familiar with we cease to see." - Anaïs Nin

I pray and work on this as a spiritual discipline in my life. Let's just say, I never run out of real life situations that challenge me to look at things from somebody else's point of view. Sometimes I'm intentionally seeking it out. And, sometimes, it's a hard life-lesson I run into face first (like a brick wall).

Anyway, the quote reminded me of this print ad I saw...

I think there is a message in there for churches. "Life changes. We've got the pictures to prove it."

What are you doing to learn about people today that don't see things the way you do? Do you see the world as it is or the way you are?
 

As a church leader, would you be willing to:

• go on vacation with an Atheist?
• eat dinner at a smoky, local tavern with people who swear like truckers?
• listen to secular music (the explicit versions) and learn what the lyrics mean?
• read The God Delusion (#10 on Amazon.com bestseller list)
• go to a tattoo parlor, browse through the portfolio books and get your belly button pierced?
• make friends with pornographers or strippers? (go back to The Gutter)

None of these would be easy. And, they're all uncomfortable. And, controversial. But, don't think about what "the church" would have to say about it. Think about the way Jesus told us to live and how to bring light into the darkness.

I'm just asking. What are you willing to do to learn about people who don't see things the way you do?