are we so different?

As a Christian I would like to think that I live my life differently, but do I?

Went to a friend's house last night for a party. Considering I was the only one there that was 1.female and 2.straight I am pretty sure I was the only Christian. I had a great time talking to people I knew and ones I had just met. Throughout the night I had a few really great one-on-one conversations with some of the guys. I always appreciate when people are honest and willing to talk about real issues. I have always know that within the gay culture there is a lot of importance place on appearance - this should be obvious, gay men tend to put much more effort into their appearance than straight guys - although last night it became more clear to me how much pressure there is in this culture to be thin, yet muscular, and dress well. That is a lot to live up to, especially for guys who are not naturally thin or don't build muscle easily. It is also sad because they perpetuate this, constantly making comments, obsessing over food and exercise, and comparing themselves to other guys.

The thing that is most heartbreaking is that this is where they find their worth. If they are thin, muscular, and attractive then they will be desired by others making them valuable.

As Christians are we different? What defines you and gives you worth?

God has taught me a lot in the past year, much of this teaching has been through the stripping away of everything that I found my worth in.

• I was laid-off and have been unemployed/underemployed for over a year now. Am I still valuable if I am not successful, or even productive?
• I lost some really close friendships within the past year. Am I still valuable if people do not desire to be close to me?
• I sold most of my possessions and moved across country. Am I still valuable if I have almost no physical possessions (or at least none of considerable worth)?
• I am single, getting older, and have not been in a relationship for a while. Am I stil valuable if I do not have anyone pursuing me?
  

As Christians we need to ask ourselves, "Is Jesus enough?". Or do we need the job, house, car, boyfriend/girlfriend, clothing, image, lifestyle, etc?

I would love to say that he is always enough, but the truth is that most of the time I still seek my worth in other things. I desire the things that society tells me are what make you important. I want the job, house, relationship, beauty. Yet when it comes down to it I know these things will not satisfy me.

When I hit the bottom and have nowhere else to turn my heart cries out for Jesus. He is the only thing that can truly satisfy me,and he does! There are many reasons I should not be happy right now, but I am! He is enough.

I always tell everyone I have no idea how people live in this crazy city. Without Christ I would be a basket case. I am especially amazed by my gay friends, how they survive in such a cruel and shallow culture. I love them and pray for them, that Jesus would grab a hold of them and change their lives. I know they are stronger than I am, and can only imagine what Christ could do with them.