Digging Styles

[The Guro]

1 Peter 2:17a (ESV)

"Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood..."

The Message Version says

"Treat everyone you meet with dignity."

Digging other styles doesn't mean you have to agree with them... just that you can respect them and give them the time of day. Respectful consideration of at least the value that they hold to the "stranger" in question. And even if it's not your style (or 'world view) you can dig knowing where they are coming from... that might in the very least help you assist them with where they want to go from there.

Jesus on many occasions was found in the company of those that did not fit what others felt were people worthy of his attention... Samaritans... Gentiles... Prostitutes... lepers... you name it. Jesus was there for people where ever they were at... not where others felt they should be... I mean heck! If you already have yourself together... why do you need someones guidance or encouragement? But how welcome are those in need in today's churches? Would someone even dare approaching a church filled with people who are zoot-suited out to the max in all their finery if all they own is a bathrobe and slippers?

Everyone has a story... every homeless person, every addict, every bum, police officers, Dudes in bathrobes... even a few minutes and some active listening/interest can go a long way.

The Abide Guide (Chapter 24: Dig Styles) says

"Everyone we encounter deserves to be treated as sacred because with few negligible exceptions, the entire world is composed of strangers."

1 Corinthians 10:32 (NLT) says "Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles". This was specifically in the context of eating with others of different faiths. But also the broader application of abiding in their company without giving rise to offence in regards to your own ways against theirs.

That second part, "Love the brotherhood..." is touched on in a number of places. There is nothing wrong with favoring your compeers! You should... Whatever your community... how you abide in it speaks volumes to the outside world.

The concept really spirals outward from those closest to those farthest from us... From family to enemies... The "Uncompromised First Draft" calls us to Love, respect, and lead by example... that's way easier than all those exhausting crusades and such.

Remember...
(The Abide Guide page 32)

Dudeness is a highly contagious form of communicable ease

1 Peter 2:12 (NLT)

"Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior"

[HnauHnakrapunt]

Yes, that's the hard part of beautiful philosophies.